Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency Links Free Meal Program to Increased Vehicle Sales

Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head, Dadan Hindayana, has stated that the country’s free nutritious meal (MBG) program contributed to a rise in automotive sales in 2024, as increased employment opportunities and fleet needs boosted demand for vehicles.

According to Hindayana, a significant portion of employees within the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) were able to purchase motorcycles, contributing to an anticipated 4.9 million motorcycle sales in Indonesia for 2025. Specifically, he noted that 60% of SPPG employees are expected to contribute to motorbike sales throughout the year. [1]

Impact on Commercial Vehicle Sales

The MBG program is also driving demand for commercial vehicles, as public kitchens require fleets to transport meals to schools. [1]

Confirmation from Automotive Industry

Tri Mulyono, Customer Relations Division Head at PT Astra International Tbk – Daihatsu Sales Operation (AI DSO), confirmed that the MBG program had a positive effect on car sales in Indonesia. [1] However, he clarified that purchases were made under individual names, making it difficult to quantify the program’s specific impact on sales figures. [1]

Sri Agung Handayani, Marketing Director of PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), echoed this sentiment, acknowledging an impact on sales but stating that the exact extent could not be determined. [1]

About the National Nutrition Agency

The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional) was established on August 15, 2024, by President Joko Widodo to implement Prabowo Subianto’s free lunch program for students and address nutritional needs for vulnerable groups, including students, toddlers, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. [3] The agency has an annual budget of IDR 71 Trillions (USD 4.542 Billions) as of 2025. [3] Dadan Hindayana currently serves as the agency’s Chief. [3]