Luhut Defends Free Nutritious Meals Program: Urges Public to Wait Before Criticizing

In a recent ‌address at⁢ the 2025 Early Spirit Forum​ in South Jakarta, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of ⁣the‍ National Economic Council (DEN), urged the ⁤public too hold off on⁤ criticizing newly implemented government policies, notably the free nutritious meal initiative. Speaking on‍ Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Luhut emphasized the importance of patience and constructive feedback.

“President Prabowo envisioned ⁤this program to provide free nutritious food to those in need. So, if someone criticizes,‌ don’t be quick ⁢to judge. Wait ‍and⁤ observe first,” Luhut stated. “We often act as if we ‍know better, but let’s give it ‌time to ‌unfold.”

He encouraged the public to allow the‌ program three to four months to demonstrate ‌its effectiveness.⁤ “After that period,feel free to critique,as we⁣ are not infallible. Though, ensure your criticism is constructive, not disruptive,” he added.

Luhut⁣ highlighted the long-term economic benefits of the program, noting that it could substantially boost local economies. Currently, villages see an ‌annual ‍circulation of ‌approximately IDR 1.1 billion. With the‍ introduction of free nutritious meals, this ⁢figure is projected to surge eightfold, reaching IDR ⁤8 ⁣to 9 billion per village ⁤annually.

“This is a significant increase,” Luhut explained. “It will foster equality,reduce stunting,and alleviate poverty ‌in these communities.”

He⁢ also shared early signs of⁢ the program’s success. “The impact is already ⁢becoming visible.Many children who rarely had access to protein-rich foods ​like chicken‍ or eggs are now receiving proper nutrition,” he observed.

The free nutritious meal ‌program, a cornerstone of President ⁣Prabowo Subianto’s ‍administration, was officially launched in 26 provinces on Monday, January‍ 6, 2025. With a budget of IDR‌ 71 trillion allocated ⁤for the next six months, the initiative aims to address food insecurity and improve public health ‍across the nation.