Indonesia Launches $28 Billion Initiative to Combat Child Malnutrition and Stunting

Indonesia’s newly elected government has kicked off an ambitious $28 billion program aimed at tackling malnutrition and stunting in children, as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s broader goal to develop the nation’s human resources. The Free Nutritious Meal program, launched on Monday, will provide free school lunches and milk to nearly 90 million children and pregnant women across the nation, aiming to reduce the 21.5% stunting rate among children under five.

The program, part of Subianto’s campaign promises, intends to address the growing issue of child malnutrition that affects millions of Indonesian families. The government’s immediate goal is to reach 19.5 million children and pregnant women in 2025, with a budget of 71 trillion rupiah ($4.3 billion). The program’s larger goal is to help the nation achieve an economically prosperous “Golden Indonesia” by 2045.

However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility of the initiative. Analysts question whether Indonesia’s state finances can support such a massive undertaking, pointing to potential increases in national debt and economic strain. There are also concerns over the program’s logistics and its impact on the country’s trade balance, as Indonesia is a significant importer of key food items like rice, wheat, beef, and dairy products.

Despite the challenges, President Subianto remains confident in the success of the program, stressing its importance for the future of the nation. The government aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren from early education to senior high school, covering one-third of their daily caloric needs.