Minister says 57,600 MSMEs support MBG program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman said 57,600 MSMEs have joined the supply chain of the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Speaking at a working meeting with House of Representatives Commission VII in Jakarta on Monday, Maman said the program not only helps meet nutritional needs but also drives regional economic activity.

He said the MBG ecosystem also involves around 12,000 cooperatives, 1,358 village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and about 64,000 suppliers.

Another 662 Red and White Village Cooperatives have also joined the program's supply chain.

According to the minister, suppliers range from providers of cooking oil, flour, soy sauce, rice, eggs, chicken, tempeh, tofu, vegetables, and fruit to suppliers of operational needs such as soap, water, and gas for MBG kitchens.

Maman also responded to criticism regarding business participation in the development of MBG kitchens.

He explained that MBG kitchens — formally called Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) — are generally medium-sized businesses because running the kitchens requires significant capital, while micro and small enterprises are focused on the supply chain.

He stressed the importance of ensuring broad MSME participation in the supply chain.

"What should be highlighted is whether the involvement of micro and small businesses in the supply chain has been expanded as widely as possible," he said.

Maman acknowledged that the MBG program still faces shortcomings that need improvement. However, he urged the public to look beyond the program's weaknesses and consider its broader economic potential.

He said the MBG program has the potential to create a new economic ecosystem with an estimated transaction value of Rp300 trillion this year.

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