Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a meeting at the White House on November 12, 2024, President Joe Biden expressed support for an Indonesian government initiative led by President Prabowo Subianto aimed at providing nutritious meals to school children and pregnant women across Indonesia. Biden praised the program, noting its potential to positively impact health and educational outcomes for Indonesia’s next generation.
Following the meeting, the White House released a joint statement underscoring Biden’s endorsement of the program.
“President Biden also voiced his support for Indonesia’s national initiative to deliver nutritious and healthy meals to schoolchildren and pregnant women,” the statement read. This backing from the U.S. highlights the importance of nutritional assistance as part of a larger goal to combat malnutrition and boost educational engagement in developing nations.
Earlier in the week, during a visit to China, Prabowo received similar support from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who agreed to partially fund the initiative. A memorandum titled the “Food Supplementation and School Feeding Programme in Indonesia” was signed on November 10, marking the start of a collaboration between Indonesia and China to bring essential nutrition to young students. Both Prabowo and Xi attended the signing ceremony in Beijing, signaling the importance of bilateral cooperation for sustainable development efforts.
Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, welcomed the commitment from China, noting the program’s relevance to both countries.
“China has successfully implemented a similar program, and now they are assisting Indonesia in delivering crucial nutritional support to those who need it,” he explained.
CIA Director Burns and President Prabowo Hold Private Meeting in D.C.
The free meal program, initially proposed during Prabowo’s 2024 presidential campaign alongside running mate Gibran Rakabuming, aims to address malnutrition and increase school attendance through healthier diets. The program has entered its pilot stage in select areas, with a nationwide rollout expected in January 2025. With endorsements and funding support from the United States and China, the initiative appears well-positioned to make a broad impact on Indonesian schoolchildren’s well-being and development.
(Becky)
