Government to add US$6.2 billion budget for free meals program

Fast-Tracking Nutrition: indonesia accelerates free meals program

Indonesia is making a strong commitment to improving the nutrition of its citizens by considerably accelerating its free nutritious meals program. Initially set to conclude by the end of 2025, the program now aims to reach its 82.9 million beneficiaries by September 2025. This ambitious timeframe, driven by President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for swift and impactful action, demands additional funding.

“The acceleration requested by the president necessitates additional costs,” asserts Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Program for Food Security and Nutrition (BGN).

Launched on January 6, 2025, the program boasts an initial budget of Rp71 trillion. It aims to provide essential nutrition to a diverse population, including children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to high school age.

To secure the necessary funds for this accelerated timeline, President Subianto issued a presidential instruction mandating budget cuts worth Rp306.69 trillion. These cuts include Rp256.1 trillion allocated to enhancing efficiency in ministry and institutional spending and Rp50.59 trillion redirected from regional transfers.

This commitment to improving nutrition demonstrates Indonesia’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly its most vulnerable populations.

Indonesia Rapidly Expands Free Meals Program: An Interview with Program Head Dadan Hindayana

Indonesia is taking decisive action to tackle malnutrition by rapidly expanding its Free Nutritional Meals program. This nationwide initiative aims to provide essential nutrition to millions of children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and school children.

Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Program for Food Security and Nutrition (BGN), sheds light on the program’s objectives, funding, and the importance of collaboration in ensuring its success.

“The president has a clear vision of ensuring every child, pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, and schoolchild receives essential nutrition,” explains Hindayana. “this program directly addresses that.”

Initially targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries by 2025, President Subianto has challenged the program to reach this ambitious goal by September 2025. “President Subianto has challenged us to achieve this by September 2025, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to social welfare,” Hindayana reveals.

Financing this ambitious endeavor requires substantial resources. “President Subianto issued a presidential instruction to secure the necessary funds. This instruction prioritizes efficiency in government spending: Rp256.1 trillion will be reallocated from existing budgets, and Rp50.59 trillion will be redirected from regional transfers,” Hindayana shares. “Its a testament to the president’s commitment that he’s willing to make tough decisions to ensure the program’s success.”

The program’s success hinges on collaboration. “The president wants this program to truly be cross-sectoral and instructed (all related ministries and institutions) to work together,” Hindayana states.Currently operational across 31 provinces,the program leverages 238 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) to prepare and distribute meals. Sence its inception, 650,000 children have begun receiving free meals at school, marking a meaningful step towards achieving the program’s ambitious goal.

With its complete approach, Indonesia’s Free Nutritional Meals Program holds immense potential to transform the lives of millions. Its commitment to collaboration, efficiency, and reaching vulnerable populations sets a powerful precedent for tackling malnutrition and fostering healthier futures.

Feeding Young Minds: A Look at Indonesia’s National School Meal Program

indonesia is taking a proactive step towards ensuring its children have access to nutritious meals through its national school meal program.This initiative, spearheaded by the government, aims to improve the health and well-being of millions of Indonesian children.

Collaboration is at the heart of this program’s success. “The president has repeatedly stressed this point, emphasizing the need for ministries and institutions to work together,” explains Dadan Hindayana, highlighting the concerted effort across government agencies. Strong communication channels and coordinated strategies ensure the program runs smoothly, benefiting children nationwide.

The program is currently operational in 31 provinces, but its reach is set to expand.Dadan Hindayana emphasizes, “Our immediate focus is on scaling up operations in existing provinces and expanding to the remaining ones. We aim to be serving 15 million children with free school meals by September 2025.”

The impact of this program extends far beyond providing a simple meal. Dadan hindayana envisions a future where “this program has the potential to considerably reduce malnutrition rates, improve child health and growth, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Indonesia.”

This national initiative exemplifies a commitment to nurturing the next generation. By providing access to nutritious meals, Indonesia is investing in the health, education, and future potential of its children.

How will the Indonesian government ensure the long-term funding and sustainability of the Free Nutritional Meals Program after the initial funding period?

Feeding Young Minds: A Look at Indonesia’s National School Meal Program

Indonesia is taking decisive action to tackle malnutrition by rapidly expanding its Free Nutritional Meals program. This nationwide initiative aims to provide essential nutrition to millions of children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and school children.

Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Program for Food Security and Nutrition (BGN), sheds light on the program’s objectives, funding, and the importance of collaboration in ensuring its success.

“The president has a clear vision of ensuring every child, pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, and schoolchild receives essential nutrition,” explains Hindayana. “this program directly addresses that.”

Initially targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries by 2025, President subianto has challenged the program to reach this aspiring goal by September 2025. “President Subianto has challenged us to achieve this by September 2025, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to social welfare,” Hindayana reveals.

Financing this ambitious endeavor requires substantial resources. “President Subianto issued a presidential instruction to secure the necessary funds. This instruction prioritizes efficiency in government spending: Rp256.1 trillion will be reallocated from existing budgets, and Rp50.59 trillion will be redirected from regional transfers,” Hindayana shares. “Its a testament to the president’s commitment that he’s willing to make tough decisions to ensure the program’s success.”

The program’s success hinges on collaboration. “The president wants this program to truly be cross-sectoral and instructed (all related ministries and institutions) to work together,” Hindayana states.Currently operational across 31 provinces,the program leverages 238 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) to prepare and distribute meals. Sence its inception, 650,000 children have begun receiving free meals at school, marking a meaningful step towards achieving the program’s ambitious goal.

Looking ahead, what strategies are in place to ensure the sustainability of this program beyond the initial funding period?

With its complete approach, Indonesia’s Free Nutritional Meals Program holds immense potential to transform the lives of millions. Its commitment to collaboration, efficiency, and reaching vulnerable populations sets a powerful precedent for tackling malnutrition and fostering healthier futures.