Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has reportedly used personal funds to support the country’s newly launched Free Nutritious Meal Program in certain regions, according to Presidential Communications Chief Hasan Nasbi.
The nationwide program was officially launched on January 6, 2025, across 26 provinces, with 190 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) serving as public kitchens. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reportedly contributed personal funds to help finance the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program, which one of it is in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.
Hasan Nasbi reveled the free meal initiative in Kendari is still utilizing funds provided by Prabowo during the program’s trial phase, which was conducted before his inauguration as President of Indonesia.
“In Kendari, they are still using leftover trial funds previously provided by Mr. Prabowo,” Hasan stated on Monday, january 6, as reported by Tempo.
These temporary funds are expected to cover initial operations before transitioning to the official state budget allocation. “Afterward, they will utilize the Rp71 trillion allocated from the 2025 State Budget (APBN) and managed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN),” Hasan added.
Free Meal Program First Phase
The Free Nutritious Meal Program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka under the Best Results Fast Program (PHTC), aims to provide nutritious meals for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and students across all educational levels, including preschools, general and vocational schools, as well as religious institutions.
The initiative, backed by a state budget of Rp71 trillion, is expected to improve child nutrition, reduce stunting rates, and enhance overall health outcomes in Indonesia’s younger generation.
The first phase of the initiative has seen 190 kitchens begin operations, with plans to expand to 937 kitchens by the end of 2025 as regional readiness improves. West Java leads with 57 operational kitchen locations, the highest in the country.
Read also : Indonesia Launches Free Nutritious Meal Program! Rolled out Across 190 Locations in 26 Province
Hasan also inspected several kitchens and schools where the program is being implemented, noting adherence to strict hygiene standards. “The SOPs in the kitchens are well-maintained. Staff are required to change footwear, wear hairnets, and masks before entering the kitchen areas. The compartments are also neatly arranged,” he explained.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program stands as a flagship initiative under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, reflecting his commitment to addressing nutritional challenges across Indonesia. As the program expands nationwide, its success will be closely watched as a measure of both its immediate impact on public health and its long-term contribution to the country’s development.
(Raidi/Agung)
