JAKARTA - Research conducted by the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) Program Research Team, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) shows that the MBG Program has an impact on increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Rp. 14.5 trillion to Rp. 26 trillion.
The research was conducted throughout 2025, using the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE), Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) Approach, and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) Approach in Bangka Belitung and West Java Provinces, with a sample of 855 people.
"The MBG program has a positive and measurable macroeconomic impact. So, the simulation shows an additional increase in GDP of Rp. 14.5-26 trillion," said the Head of the MBG Research Team at BRIN, Iwan Hermawan, at the MBG Research Results Seminar in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 4, reported by ANTARA.
Iwan explained that the figure was accompanied by an increase in aggregate consumption of up to 0.19 percent and investment of up to 0.24 percent, with relatively controlled inflationary pressures.
The figure, he continued, shows that MBG is working through strengthening domestic demand and real sector activities.
"Why should consumption and investment? Because in the composition of the two PDB, they have a large proportion, so if they increase and the value is large and will drive the GDP. Moreover, later in 2029 (targeted growth) will be 8 percent, so it should be in line with getting there, with a relatively controlled inflation rate," said Iwan.
Furthermore, Iwan also revealed the economic impact generated by the MBG Program running from upstream to downstream, especially in the food sector and labor absorption.
"The increase in production, especially in rice, processed meat, milk, horticulture, and then also followed by the absorption of labor up to 0.19 percent in the food and processing sector," he continued.
Iwan also revealed that the MBG Program was considered effective by beneficiaries and stakeholders.
"In general, the performance of the program has been close to their expectations, although there may be notes related to the amount of food," he said.
Based on the results of this research, BRIN recommends that MBG needs to be strengthened by directing this program to the construction of a national dashboard based on outputs and outcomes that integrate nutrition standards, food security, distribution, and governance performance in a real-time and transparent manner.
Iwan also emphasized that the quality assurance system needed to be strengthened through risk-based supervision and independent quality assurance functions to maintain consistency in national service standards.
"The sustainability of the program is determined by the capacity of human resources and effective public communication, through periodic training, community involvement, and clear communication strategies and open public feedback spaces," said Iwan Hermawan.
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