Akmalal Hamdhi, Jakarta – Indonesia will not reduce funding for its free nutritious meal program, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Monday, despite rising global oil prices that could increase pressure on the state budget through higher energy subsidies.

The program, a flagship policy of President Prabowo Subianto, has been allocated Rp 335 trillion ($19.7 billion) this year, a sharp increase from Rp 71 trillion ($4.2 billion) last year when the initiative was first launched.

Purbaya said the government will continue to monitor fiscal conditions and global oil price developments over the next month before considering any policy adjustments.

"As I said earlier, we will evaluate developments over the next month and make adjustments where necessary," Purbaya said while visiting Tanah Abang Market in Jakarta.

Spending to be reviewed, not the program

The finance minister stressed that the free meal program's core budget will remain intact, although the government may trim expenditures considered unnecessary or unrelated to food distribution.

"The budget for the free nutritious meal program will not be cut, except for spending that is not productive," Purbaya said.

"For example, if suppliers propose buying additional motorcycles or computers that are not directly related to providing meals, we will reject those requests," he added.

Purbaya said the government will ensure that funds allocated for the program are used effectively and efficiently, so the initiative continues to deliver benefits to the public.

The nationwide program aims to provide free nutritious meals to students and vulnerable communities, and has become one of the centerpiece social welfare initiatives under Prabowo's administration.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-wont-cut-free-school-meal-budget-despite-oil-price-surg