Indonesia Allocates $6.5 Billion to Expand Free Nutritious Meals Program, Targets 83 Million Children by 2025

JAKARTA, investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has approved an additional Rp 100 trillion ($6.5 billion) in funding for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG), aiming to cover all 82.9 million children nationwide by the end of 2025, according to Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

The announcement followed a closed-door cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, where Prabowo emphasized accelerating the program’s rollout through “efficient budget reallocation.”

Phased Expansion and Budget Breakdown

The BGN currently manages Rp 71 trillion ($4.6 billion) to serve 3 million beneficiaries by April 2025, doubling to 6 million by August and scaling to 15–17 million by September. The new Rp 100 trillion injection—sourced entirely from the state budget (APBN)—will fund full nationwide coverage starting September.

“If phased later, the amount could adjust, but Rp 100 trillion ensures completion by December,” Dadan said, noting that specifics of cost-saving measures remain confidential and under the purview of President Prabowo and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

No Foreign Funding, Focus on Domestic Resources

Dadan clarified that the program relies solely on government funds, dismissing speculation about foreign aid or contributions from state-owned enterprises (Badan Usaha Milik Negara/BUMN). “This is Indonesia’s initiative for Indonesians. Any external support would be limited to technical assistance, which hasn’t materialized,” he stated.

President Prabowo has directed the BGN to prioritize execution over financing concerns. “He told us, ‘Don’t worry—just focus on your work. The budget is ready,’” Dadan recounted. The announcement drew repeated applause during the cabinet session, though journalists were excluded from discussions on sensitive fiscal adjustments.

Challenges and Oversight

Economists have raised questions about the feasibility of reallocating Rp 100 trillion within four months, given Indonesia’s existing debt burden and competing welfare pledges. Dadan, however, expressed confidence in the administration’s efficiency drive, urging critics to “trust the process led by the President and Finance Minister.”

The MBG program, a cornerstone of Prabowo’s campaign, provides fortified meals to combat stunting, which affects 21% of Indonesian children under five. Its expansion aligns with global benchmarks for child nutrition but hinges on seamless coordination between central and local governments.