Jakarta, January 6 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched a multi-billion dollar program to provide free meals to over a quarter of the population. On its opening day, officials reported that the program served 570,000 individuals.
Despite being a central part of his election campaign that brought him to power last year, the rollout occurred with minimal fanfare. There was no official launch, and only 190 kitchens participated in preparing meals for school children and pregnant women across more than 20 provinces.
When fully operational, the free meal initiative will require an immense logistical effort. By 2029, it aims to reach 82.9 million of Indonesia’s 280 million citizens.
The program has generated controversy due to its estimated cost of $28 billion over five years. Some economists have expressed concerns that this spending could affect Indonesia’s previously established fiscal discipline.
Prabowo has defended the program, describing it as a strategic move to combat child malnutrition and stimulate regional economic growth. This year, the first phase is estimated to cost 71 trillion rupiah, or $4.39 billion, and it will provide meals for 15 million people.
At an elementary school in West Jakarta, staff distributed food trays to students, who received rice, fried chicken, fried tofu, beans, and an orange.
Hana Yohana, a first grader’s parent, expressed relief at the program’s implementation. She noted it has simplified her morning routine, saying, “Thank God, this helps us. We normally had to work hard preparing food every morning, and now we don’t.”
The government and military have been conducting pilot programs to distribute meals, which include rice, chicken, and milk.
The number of meal recipients will gradually increase to 3 million by March, with further expansions throughout the year. According to Dedek Prayudi, a spokesperson for Prabowo’s office, milk will be provided, though not daily.
Indonesia has also imported dairy cows from Australia to enhance local milk production.
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