Minister Saifullah Yusuf Envisions Job Creation through Free Nutritious Meal Program
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, believes his ministry’s free nutritious meal program can double as a job creation initiative. Gus Ipul, the minister’s familiar name, announced this initiative in an official statement on January 31, 2025.
Job Creation Through Public Kitchens
“Each kitchen requires workers, and by extension, the program creates job opportunities,” Gus Ipul emphasized in his statement. This ambitious initiative aims to attract people living in poverty or unemployment into the workforce, helping them support themselves and their families.
Targeting the Unemployed and Underprivileged
The government intends to leverage the ministry’s database of impoverished citizens to identify potential employees for the kitchens. These individuals, if within the working age, will either be helped to start their businesses or be trained and employed in roles such as delivery, shopping, or meal distribution within the program.
Program Expansion and Partnerships
The free nutritious meal program has been operational across 31 provinces since January 6, 2025, with 238 public kitchens currently in use. The number is set to increase with the upcoming addition of nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG), bringing the total to a minimum of 468 kitchens by February.
Government’s Role in Partnering with Business Owners
According to Dadan Hindayana, the head of the National Nutrition Agency, over 13,000 business owners have already registered to collaborate with the government under the free nutritious meal program. The government has set a cap of 28,000 registered businesses to ensure efficient partnership management.
Impact on the Insurance Industry
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This ambitious initiative is not only about providing meals and employment; it also aims to boost the broader economy. For instance, the Free Nutritious Meals program, combined with 3 million affordable housing units, is projected to drive growth in the insurance sector, according to the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK).
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The government’s innovative approach to addressing poverty through employment and nutrition simultaneously is值得 commendation. By engaging the underprivileged and partnering with businesses, the free nutritious meal program enriches multiple facets of society.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to share your thoughts on this initiative or any similar programs you believe have been successful in your community. Your insights can help foster a broader conversation on innovative socio-economic policies.
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