L'Indonésie réduit encore le budget du programme de repas gratuits du président

Indonesia has announced another round of budget cuts for its free school meals program, reducing the allocation to 229 trillion rupiah (approximately US$12.81 billion) from 268 trillion rupiah, according to senior officials managing the initiative. This follows a broader pattern of adjustments aimed at improving efficiency, with further reductions still under consideration. The program, a cornerstone of President Prabowo Subianto's election promises, has become a focal point in discussions about the country's financial stability. The free meals initiative was initially planned to receive 335 trillion rupiah in 2026, with the goal of providing meals to 83 million individuals, about 30 percent of Indonesia’s population, by the end of the year. This would include both students and pregnant women. However, the budget has steadily declined over time, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline operations. A recent report by Reuters indicated that the National Nutrition Agency, responsible for overseeing the program, had proposed a cut of over US$2 billion, involving fewer beneficiaries and a reduction in the number of kitchen operators. The latest figures were shared by officials during a press conference, where they emphasized that the current budget of 229 trillion rupiah represents a temporary estimate. The National Nutrition Agency has been granted one month to finalize the budget after conducting an internal review. Lili Khamiliyah, the agency’s secretary, noted that additional efficiency measures could lead to further reductions. “There will be a reduction in the number of beneficiaries,” stated Agustina Arumsari, the deputy head of the NNA. She added that the focus is shifting toward enhancing the quality of meals to prevent incidents of food poisoning, which have previously plagued the program. Since its launch in January 2025, the program has faced numerous challenges. Initially, it had managed to reach 62.5 million people, but logistical issues, nutritional concerns, and multiple cases of mass food poisoning have raised serious questions about its effectiveness. These problems have compounded existing pressures on the government, particularly as the nation grapples with economic difficulties. The situation has also been complicated by the arrest of the agency’s former chief and two other officials earlier this month, following corruption allegations. This has cast doubt on the program’s management and governance structure. The decision to pause the program during the school break period reflects the administration’s attempt to address these systemic issues. While the exact impact of the pause on the number of beneficiaries remains unclear, the move underscores the growing emphasis on operational efficiency and accountability within the program. Officials have stressed that the primary objective now is to ensure that the meals provided meet safety and nutritional standards rather than simply expanding the reach of the initiative. Looking ahead, the National Nutrition Agency is expected to present a revised budget proposal within the coming weeks. This will likely involve further refinements to the program’s structure, potentially leading to even greater reductions in the number of participants. The government’s approach appears to be evolving from a broad expansion strategy to a more targeted model focused on sustainability and long-term viability. As the program continues to face scrutiny, the outcomes of these changes will be crucial in determining its future direction and public reception.