Concerns Raised Over Sustainability of Indonesia’s Meal Program

Economists are expressing concerns about the sustainability of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Free Nutritious Meal Program, aimed at improving child nutrition, VOA reported. A recent report indicated that 21.6% of children aged 3 and 4 suffered from stunting due to malnutrition in 2022. The program, which aims to provide meals to 20 million school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, is projected to cost $28 billion over five years. However, the budget for this year is set to run out by June, prompting the need for an additional $8.5 billion.

While countries like China, Japan, the United States, and India have expressed support, the specifics of their contributions remain unclear. Japan plans to provide training, while the U.S. is helping Indonesian dairy farmers to meet increased demand for milk. Critics warn that the program may make Prabowo politically vulnerable due to significant budget cuts in other government areas, totaling $18.7 billion this fiscal year.