Indonesia’s US$4 billion free meal scheme: feeding dreams or fuelling debt?

Officially kicked off on Monday, the programme aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren and, in time, extend its reach to toddlers, as well as expectant and new mothers.

Its long-term vision encompasses slashing the number of people with stunted growth and bolstering the workforce of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. That will come at a cost, however.

The government has earmarked 71 trillion rupiah (US$4.4 billion) for the programme’s initial roll-out this year. But the price tag is set to climb to more than US$24 billion annually if it is to meet its target of feeding 82.9 million recipients by 2029.

Prabowo’s administration is optimistic that the programme will invigorate the economy, providing livelihoods for farmers and food industry players alike.