Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program and Its Impact on Local Employment Opportunities in the Kalideres Area

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) Program is a government initiative designed to meet community nutritional needs while engaging local workers and businesses through Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi/SPPG). However, its contribution to local employment opportunities requires further examination. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of the MBG Program and its effect on local employment opportunities in Kalideres District. A mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design was employed, involving 80 respondents for the quantitative phase and 23 informants for the qualitative phase. Data were collected using questionnaires and qualitative data collection techniques, then analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and qualitative analysis to explain the quantitative findings. The results indicated that the implementation of the MBG Program was categorized as high, with a mean score of 3.82, while local employment opportunities also received a high mean score of 3.84. Regression analysis revealed that program implementation had a positive and statistically significant effect on local employment opportunities, with an R-squared value of 0.603 and a significance level of less than 0.001. Qualitative findings further showed that employment opportunities emerged through direct recruitment by SPPGs and the involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and suppliers, both directly and indirectly. These findings demonstrate that the MBG Program can serve not only as a nutritional intervention but also as a mechanism for expanding local employment and strengthening community economic participation. Effective implementation should therefore consider local workforce engagement and partnerships with local businesses to maximize its broader socioeconomic benefits.