Radhiyya Indra, Jakarta – Acting Jakarta governor Heru Budi Hartono claimed he had used his own operational funds to hold the first trial of the free nutritious meals program, which is slated to be implemented nationally under president-elect Prabowo Subianto's incoming administration.
During his visit on Monday to SDN Cideng 07 state elementary school in Gambir, Central Jakarta, to oversee the first trial, Heru said the money came from his operational fund because the program had not been officially included in the regional budget.
"The budget is just not there yet," he said, as reported by Kompas.
About Rp 8 million ($US517.18) was allocated for the trial at SDN Cideng 07, with each meal valued at Rp 15,000 or almost a dollar. A total of 498 students participated in the trial.
The menu consisted of rice, stir-fried cabbage, fried chicken, a banana and mineral water in packaged plastic cups. The menu will vary each day.
As established in the government regulation on regional head finances, a governor is entitled to an operational budget ranging from Rp 150 million to Rp 1.25 billion monthly, depending on the region's original revenue (PAD).
Heru ensured that the trials would continue until September, and parts of the budget would come from his operational funds. He would also try to invite region-owned enterprises in the city to participate in the funding.
So far, the free meals program will only be trialed in elementary schools. The city administration has not determined whether to expand it to junior and senior high schools.
The free meals program is one of Prabowo's signature programs aimed at feeding 82 million children, teachers and pregnant women to improve childhood nutrition.
Following last week's annual State Budget Address, the program is estimated to cost the government around Rp 450 trillion per year when fully implemented. Some Rp 71 trillion has been allocated for next year.