Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has admitted that his flagship free nutritious meals programme, designed to combat malnutrition, is currently facing “many problems.” The billion-dollar initiative, which was a cornerstone of his 2024 presidential campaign, has been marred by reports of widespread illness and allegations of financial misconduct.
Health Concerns and Corruption Allegations
Since the programme’s launch in January 2025, thousands of people have fallen ill, leading critics to demand a suspension of the scheme due to hygiene concerns. In a speech delivered in East Java on May 16 and shared via his official YouTube channel, Mr. Prabowo acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It’s true that there are many problems and challenges. Free nutritious meals comes with many problems, we must put things in order.”
Beyond health risks, the programme is under scrutiny for potential corruption. The anti-graft watchdog Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) recently filed a complaint with the Corruption Eradication Commission against Mr. Dadan Hindayana, the head of the National Nutrition Agency.
According to local media reports, the ICW submission claims there are discrepancies of nearly US$50 million (S$64.04 million) within the budget for halal certification procurement.
Economic Pressures and Budgetary Cuts
The ambitious project, which aimed to reach at least 82.9 million people—approximately one-third of the population—has already seen its first major reductions. In March, the government cut the delivery of meals from six days a week to five.
This adjustment was made to save up to 40 trillion rupiah (S$2.89 billion) as Jakarta attempts to mitigate the economic impact resulting from the war in the Middle East. Despite these cuts, the scheme is reported to have provided meals to more than 61 million people by March.
Commitment to Reform and Accountability
Despite the mounting challenges, Mr. Prabowo maintains that the programme retains strong public support. He noted that ordinary citizens and farmers have urged him not to stop the initiative, emphasizing that it helps their grandchildren eat.
“My government has no hesitation: anyone who violates the rules, who strays, who abuses their authority, will be disciplined, we will clean them up, we will remove them from their position,” Mr. Prabowo said.
Looking ahead, the government may be forced to implement more rigorous hygiene protocols to prevent further illness. The administration could face further budget adjustments if economic pressures continue, or it may see a wave of leadership changes within the National Nutrition Agency as the President vows to take swift action against those who violate rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the free meals programme launched?
The scheme was launched in January 2025.
Why did the government reduce the programme from six days to five days a week?
The cut was made in March to save up to 40 trillion rupiah (S$2.89 billion) to counter the economic impact of the Middle East war.
What is the nature of the corruption complaint filed by the ICW?
The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) filed a complaint against the head of the National Nutrition Agency, Mr. Dadan Hindayana, alleging discrepancies of nearly US$50 million (S$64.04 million) in the halal certification procurement budget.
Do you believe large-scale social welfare programmes can be effectively managed without compromising hygiene and budget integrity?
