Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program: An Analysis of Household Adaptation and Social Welfare in the Strategic Area of Adisutjipto Air Force Base, Sleman

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is a strategic instrument of the Indonesian Government that functions as a multidimensional Social Safety Net (SSN) to enhance the quality of human resources. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the MBG program at the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of Lanud Adisutjipto, its impact on household economic adaptation strategies through Household Expenditure Switching (HES), and its influence on food security dimensions. The research method employed is descriptive qualitative with data triangulation techniques, including participatory observation, in-depth interviews with key actors (policy makers, technical implementers, local workers, and parents), and visual documentation. The results indicate that the MBG implementation at SPPG Lanud Adisutjipto is effective, characterized by strict hygiene standards and high operational efficiency, where local supply chain innovations reduced preparation time by up to 75%. Economically, the program provides a significant impact by saving 10-15% of household food expenditures (approximately IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 per month), which is subsequently redirected toward children's education investment. Furthermore, the program creates a multiplier effect by employing 94% local labor. In terms of food security, standardized nutritional access contributed to reducing the stunting prevalence in the Berbah region to 3.2% by 2025. However, behavioral challenges such as food neophobia (vegetable rejection) among students remain an obstacle in optimizing food utilization. This study concludes that the MBG program is a strategic human capital investment that requires cross-sectoral synergy for its sustainability.