EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF INDONESIA'S FREE SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM

This paper analyzes how the newly launched free school meal program, Makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), can potentially benefit the Indonesian economy as a whole. As it focuses on child malnutrition and stunting, the paper evaluates how these factors can impact the country’s overall development and how the MBG program tackles them. Drawing comparisons to similar programs in Japan and China, the paper highlights the potential for MBG to not only improve health and education but also boost the domestic agricultural sector and reduce regional inequalities, especially in remote areas such as Papua. Key recommendations for the Indonesian government to maximize MBG’s effectiveness include financial oversight, prioritizing local sourcing of food, phased rollouts, and annual economic assessments. This paper argues that with proper implementation, MBG has the potential to be a sustainable investment in Indonesia’s future, leading to long-term economic benefits and a healthier, more educated workforce.