The Benefits of the “Makan Bergizi Gratis” (MBG) Program

Gracia Elisabeth, Grade 9A

The Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program is a free school meal initiative launched by the Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto in 2024, his first year in office. Its primary objective is to provide nutritious, free lunches to elementary and junior high school students nationwide. Beyond addressing immediate hunger, MBG aims to strengthen national health, stimulate the economy, and improve educational outcomes.

Malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Indonesia: approximately 20 million people live below the poverty line, and over 4.5 million children under age five suffer from malnutrition. For many families, food is scarce not just in quantity, but in nutritional quality. The MBG program directly combats this by delivering balanced meals to students, thereby improving their physical health now and reducing long term risks such as stunted growth, weakened immunity, and chronic disease.

The program also generates economic benefits. To operate at scale, MBG requires cooks, kitchen staff, logistics personnel, and suppliers, creating new job opportunities and helping to lower unemployment. Crucially, the government sources raw ingredients directly from local farmers, supporting rural livelihoods and boosting domestic agricultural demand. This strategy protects local producers from competition with imported goods and mass market agribusinesses. Moreover, parents, especially those of students, gain financial relief: instead of spending limited household income on lunch, they can redirect those funds toward essential needs like utilities, healthcare, or savings and investments.

Health and education are deeply interconnected. Malnourished children often struggle with concentration, fatigue, and impaired cognitive development, factors that hinder learning and academic performance. Studies consistently show that well-nourished students are more attentive, participate more actively, and achieve higher grades. By ensuring children arrive at school fed and energized, MBG helps them stay focused, retain knowledge, and build stronger foundations for future success.

In conclusion, the MBG program is a comprehensive and impactful policy that benefits Indonesians across multiple dimensions: it enhances public health, stimulates local economic activity, and strengthens the education system. While its full effects may take time to manifest, the long-term gains, for individual children, families, communities, and the nation as a whole are substantial. Ultimately, investing in children’s nutrition today is an investment in Indonesia’s future progress on the global stage.