Jakarta, Oct. 27 -- Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar said the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program had created employment opportunities for 1.3 million people from poor households.

"Among programs funded through the state budget, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is the best example. It has built an economic ecosystem in a very short time, providing jobs for 1.3 million poor people," Muhaimin said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He praised the program, which is funded through the state budget.

According to Muhaimin, at least 148,500 new business operators had joined the MBG program's supply chain.

In addition, around 63,100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were involved as suppliers in the program'...