Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian government is allocating nearly Rp1 trillion (approximately $60 million) per day to fund its Free Meals Program (MBG). The initiative aims to improve public nutrition and strengthen local economic activity.

“The money is sent directly to the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) throughout the country,” said Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sony Sonjaya.

In a speech at an event in Jakarta, Thursday, April 16, commemorating the program’s first anniversary, Sony said the program was not only about nutritional needs. It was also about helping to boost community empowerment.

“This program is community empowerment. Every day, the government distributes Rp1 trillion directly to the community. The money goes from Aceh to Papua, from rural villages to metropolitan areas,” Sony stated.

The official data reported the daily budget is Rp986 billion. This covers food purchases, operational expenses, and incentives for workers and volunteers who are part of the program.

The program allocates around Rp117 billion per day to provide incentives for approximately 1.2 million SPPG volunteers. The volunteers earn on average Rp100,000 a day for their work.

Meanwhile, the government uses over Rp600 billion, or around 70 percent of the total budget, to directly procure food supplies from local farmers and producers. These include the basic commodities of rice, vegetables, fish, eggs, meat, and fruits.

Sony stated that the funding mechanism aims to ensure efficiency and transparency. The money goes directly into SPPG accounts and bypasses the regional governments. Therefore, there is less chance of bureaucratic delays or leakages.

“The money goes directly into virtual accounts established for SPPG. They do not pass through provincial or district governments, he said.

The system requires two signatures to move any funds to keep things accountable. The managing foundation submits the request, and the SPPG unit head reviews and approves it before disbursement.

The dual-control mechanism is to ensure the integrity of fund management and effective utilization of funds. The MBG program is a social spending program in Indonesia that combines public health and economic empowerment.

“By sourcing food locally and mobilizing millions of volunteers, the program creates a multiplier effect that supports rural economies. In addition, it strengthens food supply chains,” Sony added.

The program will expand further as part of the wider government strategy to improve human capital and reduce inequality, officials say.

The rollout is under way, and officials are exploring how to enhance distribution systems and tighten oversight. These efforts aim to ensure the program pays dividends for communities nationwide in the long term.

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