Evaluation of the Impact of the Government's Free Nutritious Meal Program on the Community and the State Budget

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the impact of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) launched by the Government of Indonesia in 2025 on the community and the state budget. The research uses a qualitative approach with an evaluative method, where data is collected through in-depth interviews with three main groups: the community/beneficiaries (students, parents, and teachers), food/kitchen providers, and program managers at the local government level. The results of the study show four main themes, namely: (1) public access and understanding of the program, (2) food quality and availability, (3) impact on health, education, and socio-economic life, and (4) governance, budget, and program coordination. The MBG program has been proven to provide real benefits in improving children's nutrition and enthusiasm for learning, reducing the economic burden on families, and strengthening local economic empowerment. However, challenges are still encountered in terms of late payments, inconsistent distribution, and coordination between institutions that are not optimal. This study concludes that the MBG program has been effective, but it requires strengthening governance, budget transparency, and monitoring mechanisms so that program goals are achieved sustainably.