Heru Andriyanto, Davos – Indonesia's free meal program for children and pregnant and lactating mothers has expanded so rapidly that it is on track to surpass the daily meal output of global fast-food giant McDonald's, President Prabowo Subianto said on Thursday.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prabowo said the flagship program, launched last year, has grown from 190 kitchens serving about 570,000 people a day into a nationwide operation of unprecedented scale.
"Today, in one year, we have achieved 21,102 kitchens serving nationwide. As of last night, we are producing 59.8 million meals for 59.8 million children, mothers, and elderly living alone. They receive these meals every day," Prabowo said in his speech streamed live by the Presidential Secretariat.
"To put this into context, in about a month's time, we will surpass McDonald's 68 million meals a day," he added.
The government aims to increase the program's output to 82.9 million meals per day this year as part of its efforts to combat stunting and improve nutritional intake for children up to the age of 18, Prabowo said.
He added that meals for pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as elderly people living alone, are delivered directly to their homes.
"I think McDonald's started their first kitchen in 1940. To reach 68 million, it took them, well, five decades more. We will reach 82.9 million, I hope, by the end of December 2026," Prabowo said.
Beyond nutrition, Prabowo said the program is also generating significant economic benefits. More than 61,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, along with larger companies, are involved in the supply chain.
"We are creating more than 600,000 jobs just in the kitchens. At its peak, we are optimistic it will reach 1.5 million direct jobs with vendors and suppliers. There will be more than 1 million livelihoods embraced and improved," he said.