Indonesia Allocates Rp335 Trillion for Free Nutritious Meals Program in 2026
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian government has allocated Rp335 trillion from the state budget (APBN) for its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in 2026, targeting approximately 82 million beneficiaries as part of efforts to improve nutrition and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the program is fully financed by the state budget, ensuring its secure, sustainable and measurable implementation nationwide.
“The guarantee comes from the APBN. For 2026, the government has prepared Rp335 trillion for the Free Nutritious Meals program, so it is secure,” Airlangga said while speaking at the Road to Jakarta Food Security Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He noted that the program is expected to significantly stimulate economic activity, as Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), also known as MBG kitchens, receive payments upfront. This mechanism strengthens cash flow for operators and encourages local investment, small businesses and regional economic development.
According to Airlangga, the SPPG business model ensures payment prior to production, providing cash flow certainty and accelerating capital turnover. As a result, some operators are planning to expand their operations by establishing multiple units.
From the total allocation, nearly Rp80 trillion is projected to be distributed to grassroots communities every quarter, surpassing the government’s first-quarter stimulus of nearly Rp37 trillion in the previous year.
Airlangga added that quarterly disbursements are expected to support economic growth through increased consumption, higher production and job creation, with the program projected to absorb up to three million workers.
He further estimated that the Free Nutritious Meals program could potentially boost Indonesia’s economic growth by up to 7 percent. Even if only half of that potential is realized, it could still contribute around 3 percent to economic growth in 2026.
