Indonesia’s enterprising free nutritious meal program, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, has taken a significant leap forward with an additional budget of 100 trillion rupiah (US$6.14 billion). This move is expected to boost the country’s economic growth by nearly 2 percentage points, according to Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Prabowo’s brother and close adviser. The program,which began in January 2025,initially aimed to provide meals to 17.5 million people at a cost of 71 trillion rupiah (US$4.36 billion). With the new budget, the initiative is set to reach 40 million people by the end of the year, and potentially 83 million people—more than a quarter of Indonesia’s population.
The free school meals scheme has already garnered widespread support, contributing to Prabowo’s impressive 81% approval rating in a recent poll based on his first 100 days in office. Though, the program’s financial implications have raised concerns among Indonesia’s financial markets. Critics warn that the additional debt required to fund the initiative could jeopardize the country’s reputation for fiscal prudence. To address these concerns, Prabowo has ordered spending cuts amounting to 306.7 trillion rupiah, equivalent to 8% of the total approved spending for the year.
Hashim emphasized that the extra budget for the free meal program would be sourced from these cuts, ensuring that the initiative remains financially lasting.He also highlighted Prabowo’s other flagship project: building 3 million affordable homes annually. This program is expected to be funded through housing bonds and state-owned banks, offering mortgages with tenors of up to 30 years.
Key Points of Prabowo’s Free Nutritious Meal Program
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- Revolutionizing Indonesia’s Future: A Deep dive into Prabowo’s Free Nutritious Meal Program
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Initial Budget | 71 trillion rupiah (US$4.36 billion) |
| Additional Budget | 100 trillion rupiah (US$6.14 billion) |
| Total Budget | 171 trillion rupiah |
| Initial target | 17.5 million people |
| Revised Target (2025) | 40 million people |
| Potential Reach | 83 million people |
| Economic Impact | Adds nearly 2 percentage points to GDP growth |
| Funding Source | Spending cuts of 306.7 trillion rupiah |
The free nutritious meal program is a cornerstone of Prabowo’s election campaign, reflecting his commitment to addressing malnutrition and improving the welfare of Indonesia’s children. As the program expands, it is poised to make a significant impact on the nation’s health and economic landscape. For more updates on Indonesia’s initiatives, click here to stay informed.
Revolutionizing Indonesia’s Future: A Deep dive into Prabowo’s Free Nutritious Meal Program
Indonesia’s ambitious free nutritious meal program, championed by President Prabowo Subianto, is making headlines as it expands with an additional budget of 100 trillion rupiah (US$6.14 billion). Designed to combat malnutrition and improve the welfare of the nation’s children, this initiative is set to reach up to 83 million peopel—more than a quarter of indonesia’s population. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor Laura Bennett of world-today-news.com sits down with nutrition and economic policy expert Dr. Ahmad haris to explore the program’s goals, challenges, and potential impact on Indonesia’s health and economy.
the Vision Behind the Free Nutritious Meal Program
Laura Bennett: Dr. Haris, thank you for joining us today. Prabowo’s free nutritious meal program has been described as a cornerstone of his campaign. What inspired this initiative, and how does it align with Indonesia’s broader goals?
dr. Ahmad Haris: Thank you, Laura. This program is deeply rooted in President Prabowo’s commitment to addressing malnutrition, particularly among children. Indonesia has long struggled with high rates of stunting and undernutrition, which hinder both individual development and national progress. By providing nutritious meals to millions, the program aims to improve health outcomes, enhance educational performance, and ultimately boost the country’s economic growth. It’s a holistic approach that aligns with Indonesia’s vision of becoming a healthier and more prosperous nation.
Funding the Initiative: Balancing Ambition and Fiscal Responsibility
Laura Bennett: The program’s expansion comes with an additional budget of 100 trillion rupiah. How has the government managed to fund such a massive initiative without compromising fiscal stability?
Dr. Ahmad Haris: That’s a critical question. The government has taken a strategic approach by implementing spending cuts amounting to 306.7 trillion rupiah, which is about 8% of the total approved spending for the year. These cuts are reallocated to fund the free meal program, ensuring it remains financially lasting. Additionally, Prabowo’s administration is exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as leveraging state-owned banks and issuing housing bonds, to support other flagship projects like the affordable housing initiative.This balanced approach helps mitigate concerns about fiscal prudence.
Laura Bennett: According to estimates, the program coudl add nearly 2 percentage points to Indonesia’s GDP growth. Can you elaborate on how this initiative might transform the nation’s socioeconomic landscape?
Dr. Ahmad Haris: Absolutely. The economic benefits are multifaceted.First, by addressing malnutrition, the program lays the foundation for a healthier and more productive workforce. Children who receive proper nutrition are more likely to excel in school and, later, contribute meaningfully to the economy.Second,the program’s scale creates jobs in food production,distribution,and related sectors,stimulating economic activity.by reducing healthcare costs associated with malnutrition-related illnesses, the government can allocate resources to other critical areas. Over time, these factors combine to drive sustainable economic growth.
Laura Bennett: While the program has garnered widespread support, it’s not without its critics. Some warn that the additional debt could jeopardize Indonesia’s reputation for fiscal responsibility. How do you respond to these concerns?
Dr.Ahmad Haris: It’s crucial to acknowledge these concerns,as fiscal responsibility is vital for long-term stability. Though, the government has been proactive in addressing these issues. By reallocating funds through spending cuts and prioritizing efficient resource management, they’ve minimized the need for excessive borrowing. Additionally, the program’s economic benefits—such as increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs—can offset initial expenditures. While challenges remain, the government’s approach demonstrates a commitment to balancing ambition with fiscal prudence.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indonesia’s Welfare Programs
Laura bennett: As the program expands, what do you see as its long-term implications for Indonesia’s health and economic policies?
Dr.Ahmad Haris: This program has the potential to set a powerful precedent for future welfare initiatives. If prosperous, it could inspire similar efforts in other sectors, such as education and healthcare. Moreover, it underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues like malnutrition as a means of driving broader socioeconomic progress. As the program reaches more people,its impact will extend beyond immediate health benefits,fostering a more resilient and prosperous Indonesia.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward a Healthier Future
President prabowo’s free nutritious meal program is a bold and ambitious initiative with the potential to transform Indonesia’s health and economic landscape. By addressing malnutrition and improving the welfare of millions, this program reflects a commitment to building a brighter future for the nation. While challenges remain, the government’s strategic approach to funding and implementation offers hope for sustainable success. As Dr. ahmad Haris highlights, this initiative is not just about meals—it’s about laying the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous Indonesia.
