In a significant development, the Indonesian government has earmarked 71 trillion rupiah (approximately USD 4.33 billion) for a free school lunch program in the 2025 state budget. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati at a press conference on Monday (today).
The program, a key campaign promise of President-elect Prabowo Subianto, aims to provide free lunches to students across the country. The implementation of the program will be done in stages, with the first year’s allocation set at 71 trillion rupiah. While this figure is lower than the initial estimate of 120 trillion rupiah (USD 7.32 billion), it demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in the education and well-being of its citizens.
According to Indrawati, the president-elect has agreed to implement the program in phases, with the initial allocation aimed at laying the groundwork for its successful rollout. The program’s gradual implementation will enable the government to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments before scaling it up.
Thomas Djiwandono, a member of Prabowo’s Synchronization Task Force, which is responsible for coordinating the transition between the incoming and outgoing governments, has assured that the initiative will not put a strain on the state’s finances. The government has established a fiscal deficit target of 2.29-2.82% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which will help ensure the program’s sustainability.
The free school lunch program is a significant initiative aimed at improving the health and education outcomes of Indonesian students. By providing nutritious meals, the program seeks to enhance students’ cognitive abilities, boost their energy levels, and support their overall well-being. This initiative is also expected to have a positive impact on school attendance, academic performance, and social mobility.
The program’s implementation is a testament to President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to prioritizing education and the welfare of Indonesian citizens. During his campaign, Subianto emphasized the need to invest in human capital development, and this program is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
Prabowo Subianto is set to take office in October 2024, succeeding President Joko Widodo, who has served two terms totalling 10 years. The incoming administration’s focus on education and social welfare programs is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s development and prosperity.
Overall, the allocation of $4.33 billion for the free school lunch program in the 2025 budget demonstrates the Indonesian government’s dedication to investing in its citizens’ future. As the program rolls out, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of students, their families, and the broader community.
