Task Force Prabowo-Gibran: No Reduction in Budget for Free Nutritious Meals
The Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization Task Force has refuted rumors circulating about a decrease in the budget for free nutritious meals from Rp15,000 to Rp7,500 per child.
Hasan Nasbi, a member of the communications team, clarified that the only confirmed information regarding the free meal program is a budget allocation of Rp71 trillion.
“As of now, the only conclusion we have reached is the allocation of the Rp71 trillion budget for free nutritious meals in 2025,” Hasan stated at the Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization Task Force Media Center in Jakarta on Friday (July 19, 2024).
Hasan also mentioned that at present, no specific budget per child has been decided upon.
“To date, the only conclusion we have reached is the allocation of the Rp71 trillion budget for free nutritious meals in 2025,” Hasan explained.
President-elect Prabowo has requested for the Rp71 trillion budget to be optimized to benefit as many recipients as possible.
Therefore, all research, studies, and pilot projects relating to nutritious meals will follow Prabowo’s directive, as the free meal program is a key initiative of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
“The nutritional requirements will be determined by nutritionists. Thus, there is no fixed price yet. There is no specific figure at all. I am puzzled by the circulating numbers because we have not disclosed any figures,” Hasan elaborated.
Additionally, Hasan also mentioned that the budget per child will vary based on their location. As Indonesia has diverse regions, there will be variations in menu and ingredient costs.
“The price will depend on the food ingredients available in each region, meaning the menus will differ. It will be based on the food accessibility in different areas. The nutritional requirements that we can provide will adjust accordingly, and the prices will follow suit. That is roughly the process,” he concluded.
During the same event, Budi Satrio Djiwandono, a member of the Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization Task Force, emphasized that the budget cut rumors are unfounded and speculative.
“These are likely speculative statements from various parties. Our aim tonight is to offer clarification, to present a clear view of the current facts, what is definite, and what will progress in the future,” Budi stated.