The initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto aims to improve human resources while boosting local economies
President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the strategic importance of the “Free Nutritious Meal Programme” during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Allocation List (DIPA) on 10 December 2024. The programme seeks to empower local economies by directing funds towards rural and provincial areas, with an estimated IDR 8 billion circulated annually per village. “We are reversing the flow of money from the central government to villages and regions,” he remarked during the event.
This initiative, introduced under President Prabowo’s administration, focuses on ensuring adequate and quality nutrition for the public, particularly schoolchildren. By addressing nutritional needs, the programme aligns with Indonesia’s 2045 vision of fostering a “golden generation” capable of leading the country into advanced economic status. Research indicates that a large, healthy, and competitive youth population could propel Indonesia’s growth in the coming decades.
To implement the programme, schools at the primary and secondary levels have been tasked with providing nutritious meals. These meals are prepared in collaboration with local food suppliers, ensuring adherence to health standards set by the Ministry of Health. This strategy addresses stunting and malnutrition while supporting local farmers, fishers, and small-scale food producers as primary suppliers.
Additionally, the programme serves as a foundation for building superior human resources, taking inspiration from successful implementations in other countries. By investing in nutrition-focused initiatives, Indonesia aims to cultivate a generation that is intelligent, resilient, and globally competitive.
Source: Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia
