Residents of Lumajang are feeling the benefits of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program through new job opportunities. Beyond providing meals to students, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers, locals are employed in preparing food ingredients and volunteering at SPPG units. The local regent highlights the program's role in community welfare.
In Lumajang Regency, East Java, the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program extends beyond nutritional support to fostering local economic growth via job creation. The event on Socialization and Strengthening of MBG Governance, along with Supervision and Monitoring of SPPG, held at Ballroom Aston Inn in Lumajang on Saturday (13/12/2025), highlighted these positive effects for residents.
Lumajang Regent Indah Amperawati shared a story of a local earning Rp100,000 from peeling onions. "Wah, enak saiki bunda. Aku saiki wis entuk kerjoan, ngupas bawang saja 100 ribu, Begitu, Bu. Betapa bahagianya. Saya kasihan, tapi juga senang. Karena itu, jangan khianati program ini. Saya minta tolong, jangan khianati. Ini program yang bagus. Ini program yang mulia. Belum lagi tukang jual tempe, tukang jual tahu, yang biasanya laku, yaa berapa, sekarang sudah banyak," she said.
The regency has a quota of 93 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units, with 40 constructed and 33 operational. Among the operational ones, only 7 hold Sertifikat Laik Higiene Sanitasi (SLHS), while 39 have water testing certificates, 40 have food handler training, and 12 feature experienced chefs.
Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, welcomed the regent's support amid criticisms labeling MBG as a party project or collusion. She explained that President Prabowo Subianto designed the program to generate jobs, boost regional income, and drive economic growth to 7-8 percent. Drawing from the Rockefeller Foundation's input, the multiplier effect could reach 75 percent, promising substantial economic expansion at the grassroots level.
