The Development of Theory of Change for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG)
Executive Summary
The Development of Theory of Change for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen one of Indonesia’s flagship national programs aimed at addressing malnutrition, reducing stunting, and building a healthier generation toward Indonesia Emas 2045. Initiated under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and coordinated by Badan Gizi Nasional, the MBG program seeks to improve nutrition outcomes while simultaneously generating benefits in education, poverty reduction, and local economic growth.
The objective of this project is to develop a robust Theory of Change (ToC) and monitoring framework that enables the government to systematically track program inputs, outputs, outcomes, and long-term impacts. The project aims to establish measurable indicators across nutrition-health, education, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation dimensions, while identifying implementation risks and opportunities for continuous improvement.
As the key implementing partner, Reconstra plays a central role in conducting this project through analytical leadership, policy advisory support, stakeholder coordination, evidence synthesis, and development of the ToC model. Reconstra’s expertise ensures that the program is guided by international best practices and data-driven decision-making.
The expected impact includes stronger governance, more effective resource allocation, improved nutritional outcomes for children and vulnerable groups, enhanced school participation, and stronger local supply chains involving farmers, cooperatives, and SMEs. Key collaborators include Badan Gizi Nasional, Bappenas, relevant ministries, local governments, and community stakeholders. The project is implemented in 2025 as part of the early strengthening phase of the national MBG rollout.
