New Indonesian Govt. announces 'Free Nutritious Meal' Program for Pregnant Women

An ambitious project has been started by the new government of Indonesia with an intent towards fighting malnutrition. They have launched a ‘Free Nutritious Meal’ program that will feed almost 90 million children and pregnant women.

While launched the program in a campaign, President Prabowo Subianto made a promise regarding the project and explained that it aims at fighting the stunting of growth which bothers Indonesian children younger’s 21.5% than 5, raising income of farmers. The feeding is being expected to cost around $28 billion through 2029.

He said, “Too many of our brothers and sisters are below the poverty line, too many of our children go to school without breakfast and do not have clothes for school. We are capable.”

A researcher at the Center of Economic and Law Studies, Nailul Huda added, “The burden on our state budget is too heavy if it is forced to reach 100% of the target recipients, and it will be difficult for Prabowo’s government to achieve the economic growth target of 8%.”

In addition, the director of Institute for Democracy, Security and Strategic Studies Reni Suwarso stated, “That’s so bad and must be solved. Child malnourishment has severe consequences, threatening the health and long-term development of infants and young children throughout this nation.”