Government Considers Rp140 Trillion Budget Increase for Free Meals Program
The government is contemplating allocating an additional budget of Rp140 trillion (US$8.6 billion) for the Free Nutritious Meals program this year, as announced by Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan. The potential increase in funding aims to expand the reach of the program to more recipients, enhancing its impact on communities nationwide.
President’s Vision for Nutritious Meals Program
President Prabowo Subianto’s priority program focuses on providing free nutritious meals to schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers in an effort to improve their overall health and well-being. With the current budget of Rp71 trillion (US$4.4 billion), the government aims to cover three million schoolchildren from January to April and six million from April to August.
Program Implementation and Expansion
The Free Nutritious Meals program was officially launched after extensive preparations and trials, targeting schools and integrated health posts across 26 provinces. Top officials, including Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti, Cooperatives Minister Budi Setiadi, and Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, reviewed the program’s implementation at various schools on the launch day.
Future Plans and Impact
The government’s ultimate goal is to provide free nutritious meals to at least 15 million beneficiaries this year, with projections to cover approximately 83 million recipients by 2029. To achieve this, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) currently operates 190 special kitchens to prepare and distribute meals, with plans to establish five thousand operational kitchens by mid-2025.
As the program continues to expand, it not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also plays a crucial role in improving human resources and boosting the economy. The government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its citizens through accessible and nutritious meals underscores a proactive approach to national development and welfare.
By prioritizing the health and nutrition of vulnerable populations, the Free Nutritious Meals program exemplifies a holistic strategy to empower communities and foster sustainable growth. As the government explores avenues for increased funding and program scalability, the initiative’s long-term impact on public health and social welfare remains promising and essential for a thriving society.
