How to Ensure the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is Delivering Optimal Impact?

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) comes as a government initiative that aims to address malnutrition and improve social welfare in Indonesia. With a target of nearly 90 million children and pregnant women and a budget of $28 billion, the program has the potential to have a huge impact on people’s well-being (AP News, 2025). However, implementation challenges, such as targeting accuracy and distribution effectiveness, may hinder the achievement of these goals.

Challenges in MBG Implementation

1. Mis-targeting of Beneficiaries

One of the main challenges in MBG implementation is how to determine who is truly in need. Without accurate social mapping, the distribution of assistance risks being misdirected. A report shows that in various social assistance programs, the lack of valid data often hampers the effectiveness of distribution (Reuters, 2025).

On the other hand, in previous food assistance programs, some groups of people who should have benefited were not reached due to the limitations of selection and distribution mechanisms that were based on assumptions rather than in-depth social research.

2. Social Barriers to Aid Receipt

In addition to technical problems in distribution, social factors are also a major obstacle. Not all communities are ready to receive assistance, either due to social stigma, ignorance, or cultural factors. Some individuals may feel reluctant to accept aid because they consider it a sign of economic inability.

In addition, there are concerns that long-term food assistance may create dependency. Therefore, it is important to design a program that not only provides food assistance but also enhances the independence of beneficiaries.

So to determine that each beneficiary is the person who really needs the MBG program, a research approach such as Social Research is necessary. More than just social research that analyzes the actual conditions of the community, this research can provide a valid picture and design based on data before the government makes a large investment in the MBG program.

Social Research for Optimal Impact

1. Data-driven Beneficiary Identification Method

For MBG to be truly impactful, a data-driven approach to beneficiary identification must be prioritized. This method includes a combination of quantitative and qualitative research to understand the social conditions of the community in greater depth.

Social mapping using surveys and data analysis allows the targeting of beneficiaries based on real needs rather than estimates. For example, statistics from previous programs show that beneficiary selection based on socio-economic verification is more effective than selection based on administrative documents alone (Financial Times, 2025).

2. Program Adjustment Based on Social Characteristics

Each region has specific needs that must be taken into account in MBG implementation. Therefore, social research results should be used to design a more effective distribution mechanism. Some aspects that need to be considered in program adaptation based on social characteristics include:

• Different nutritional needs between regions.
• Cultural preferences in food consumption patterns.
• The level of community understanding of social assistance programs.

Through comprehensive research, food distribution can be more contextualized and well received by recipient communities.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation with an Impact Framework

To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of MBG, it is important to implement monitoring and evaluation. To determine the monitoring and evaluation aspects, it is necessary to design the intervention space prior to the implementation of the program based on the Impact Framework. This framework helps measure the extent to which the program has provided benefits in accordance with the original objectives, with indicators such as:

• Changes in nutritional status of beneficiaries
• Level of community satisfaction and acceptance
• Effectiveness of the distribution mechanism

In addition, the use of technology in real-time data collection can also improve the transparency and accountability of the MBG program.

Maxima’s Role in Optimizing MBG Impact

As an impact consultant, Maxima Impact Consulting has expertise in supporting the implementation of data-driven social programs and social research. With experience in beneficiary analysis, social mapping, and impact framework-based monitoring and evaluation, Maxima can help various stakeholders ensure that MBG is truly effective and sustainable.

Maxima’s systems-based approach ensures that every stage of an MBG program, from planning to evaluation, is designed with long-term positive impact in mind. Does your organization want to ensure more targeted and research-based social program implementation? Consult with Maxima Impact Consulting and find the right solution for you!