Indonesia begins provision of free nutritious meals for tens of millions of school children and pregnant women.
“For the first time in the history of independent Indonesia, a universal government-subsidized program will provide millions with rich nutritious meals, processed with high standards of hygiene,” – Presidential Communication Office (PCO) spokesperson Philips J. Vermonte.1
On the 6th January, President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto’s, highly anticipated new programme was rolled out in many provinces across Indonesia. That morning, over a hundred kitchens (run by third-party catering services) prepared meals, with each kitchen delivering these to around 3,000 people across numerous schools, using special food trucks.
How has the programme been received?
The programme has had endorsements from United Nations agencies and aims to reduce the rate of stunting from 21.5% of children to 5% by 2045. While the programme has received these endorsements as well as praise from those receiving these free meals, there have been some concerns raised.
- Milk cartons will be provided 2-3 days a week (a reduction from the original pilot number).
- The budget per menu has been reduced from Rp 15,000 (£0.75) to Rp 10,000 (£0.50) which has caused experts to raise concerns about meeting nutritional requirements within this cost.
- Not all 190 kitchens were ready on Monday, as promised.
- In many provinces, the meals have yet to be delivered to pregnant women.
However, the PCO has addressed these shortcomings stating that it aims to have 937 kitchens ready by March, pregnant women would start to receive the meals as early as 9th January and that it plans to have 15-20 million people covered by the free meals plan by the end of the year.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) also responded: “We’ll improve each day so [the meals] can be delivered quicker and cleaner, and cater to everyone’s tastebuds.” 1
While there may have been some shortcomings, it can be agreed that the initiative is a positive step in supporting families across Indonesia. Access to nutritious meals is so important for health and wellbeing and it’s something not all families can afford, especially in today’s economic climate.
What are your thoughts on the programme?
We’d love to hear what you think on social media!
References
- ANN (2025) ‘Enthusiasm fills schools on first day of Indonesia’s free meals program’. Available at: https://asianews.network/enthusiasm-fills-schools-on-first-day-of-indonesias-free-meals-program/(Accessed: January 21st 2025)
