inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government has allocated a budget of IDR 335 trillion for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program throughout 2026, a national program that supports improving nutrition and strengthening the economy.

Airlangga stated that funding for the MBG program comes from the State Budget (APBN), ensuring its implementation is safe, sustainable, and measurable in ensuring the continuity of nutrition services for beneficiaries.

The budget is designed to support the MBG program's target beneficiaries of approximately 82 million people across Indonesia by 2026.

He assessed that the MBG program is capable of stimulating the economy because the operational costs of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) are paid upfront, ensuring strong and stable cash flow, while simultaneously encouraging local investment, small businesses, and the regional economy.

He explained that of the total budget of IDR 335 trillion, nearly IDR 80 trillion is estimated to be disbursed quarterly to the grassroots level. This figure exceeds the government stimulus in the first quarter of the previous year, which was recorded at nearly IDR 37 trillion nationally.

"So, if this program reaches the grassroots level, amounting to IDR 80 trillion, it will certainly have an impact on economic growth," added Airlangga.

According to Coordinating Minister Airlangga, the direct disbursement of IDR 80 trillion per quarter to the community will have a significant impact on national economic growth by increasing consumption, production, and creating new jobs.

Furthermore, the MBG program is also estimated to absorb up to three million workers, in line with the calculation that every one percent of economic growth can create around 400,000 new jobs.

The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs estimates that the MBG contribution has the potential to boost economic growth by up to 7 percent. Assuming half of this potential is realized, this program can still provide an additional three percent to the national economy in the 2026 implementation period.

"This will be able to boost economic growth in line with the government's targets," said Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

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