Jakarta. The nationwide free meal program is expected to drive jobs and eventually boost equitable growth, according to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

President Prabowo Subianto's free meal program has been in place for almost a year. The government has also set up public kitchens in charge of cooking the meals to be sent to the country's school students and expectant mothers. To date, Indonesia already has 16,503 kitchens, locally known by their acronyms SPPGs or food service units. 

Over 700,000 volunteers are running these kitchens. Each kitchen requires at least 15 suppliers of fresh ingredients. Assuming each supplier employs 2 to 15 people, the total workforce absorbed is estimated to exceed 1.5 million.

"This demonstrates a massive economy of scale. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry [Kadin], as a home for entrepreneurs, particularly in the food and beverage sector, has been a crucial foundation since its inception. Their involvement creates a mutually beneficial symbiosis," BGN's head Dadan Hindayana told the business lobby.

He pointed out how many food and beverage businesses (F&B) -- including restaurants, cafes, and catering -- have been under pressure due to declining demand. Dadan said that the free meal program could breathe new life into the sector.

"The professionalism of Kadin members in the culinary sector is a major pillar of the supply of nutritious food. This program helps revitalize their businesses," he said.

At least 500 Kadin members have become SPPG owners or partners. They are referred to as "red-and-white warriors" for their contribution to accelerating the realization of nutritious meal services. The challenge ahead is now how BGN can ensure a stable supply chain amidst increasing demand as the meal rollout increases.

"Demand is increasing, so we must continue to amplify the logistics and supply capacity."

The SPPGs also play a major role in emergency response, particularly to the floods and landslides that have devastated Sumatra Island. The SPPGs immediately turned into emergency kitchens, providing food aid to the evacuees in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. There are 286 kitchens currently serving the evacuees, with the details as follows:

• 55 SPPGs in Aceh
• 173 SPPGs in North Sumatra
• 66 SPPGs in West Sumatra

According to Dadan, the SPPG managers quickly requested permission to serve the evacuees.

"I immediately tell them to proceed. And thank God, their presence has helped ease the burden on the evacuees. The SPPGs are part of BGN, and what they are doing shows the government's presence in disaster areas," said Dadan.