The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has invited Chinese business leaders to invest in the country’s Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), or Free Nutritious Meal Program, targeting the development of 1,000 community kitchens to support child nutrition and food security.

Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Kadin chairman, announced the initiative following the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to the Presidential Palace on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Through its partnership with the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (CCCI), Kadin is offering investment opportunities in MBG infrastructure to Chinese companies.

“Many of them have expressed strong interest in participating, some even through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs,” Anindya said after the event on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Currently, Kadin has launched 16 pilot MBG kitchens, while several hundred others are being developed across various regions. Chinese investors are being offered structured investment packages for kitchen development, with estimated contributions starting from Rp2 billion (US$125,000) per unit.

“They can invest in kitchen infrastructure or contribute through the supply of essential food items like protein or carbohydrates. It doesn’t stop at imports − we also encourage them to build local agriculture and farming infrastructure,” Anindya cited, adding that logistics improvements are also part of the proposed cooperation.

When asked about the projected total investment, Anindya said that the figure would depend on each investor’s commitment.

“We already know the cost of one kitchen. But beyond the infrastructure, the supply chain involvement is even more valuable,” he said.

On Saturday, May 24, 2025 Kadin Indonesia formalized the collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CCCI. Garibaldi "Boy" Thohir, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia’s China Committee, said that this MoU marks a key step in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Boy Thohir also extended an invitation to President Prabowo Subianto and Premier Li Qiang to attend the 75th Indonesia–China Partnership Exhibition, which highlighted collaboration across eight priority sectors: infrastructure and connectivity, downstream industries, manufacturing, renewable energy, digitalization and AI, health and biotechnology, education and science, and food security, including agriculture and marine fisheries.

“Indonesia and China must continue to foster real collaboration to ensure smooth trade and investment between the two countries,” Boy Thohir said.

This year’s Indonesia–China Business Reception holds particular significance, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, marking a milestone in strategic economic partnership.