Prabowo Reacts to Setbacks in Indonesia's Free Meal Initiative

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has acknowledged significant challenges facing the government's free meal initiative, despite its extensive national reach.

While addressing an audience in East Java, Prabowo remarked that the free nutritious meal scheme “comes with many problems,” revealing the intricacies involved in administering such a vast program.

Launched in January 2025, this initiative aims to tackle malnutrition and food scarcity among children and vulnerable groups. By March 2026, the government reported that over 61 million individuals had benefited from the program.

Nevertheless, the project has faced backlash due to reports of illness linked to hygiene issues during meal distribution. Critics have urged for more stringent oversight and a temporary halt of the scheme in specific regions.

The initiative has also faced financial strain, prompted by a recent cut in meal distribution from six days to five each week to save approximately 40 trillion rupiah in light of the Middle East conflict's economic repercussions.

Prabowo defended the initiative, citing the voices of ordinary citizens, farmers, and families who wished for it to continue, as it plays a crucial role in providing adequate nutrition to children.

In parallel, Indonesia Corruption Watch has lodged a complaint regarding alleged irregularities concerning halal certification expenses tied to the program’s finances, with discrepancies reportedly nearing 50 million dollars.

Prabowo emphasized that any misconduct or violation within the project would result in stringent disciplinary measures and possible removal from position.

Indonesia remains engaged in combating child malnutrition and growth stunting, with ongoing statistics showing over 20 percent of children affected by persistent nutritional deficits.