Task Force Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization denied rumors regarding the reduction of the budget for free nutritious meals from Rp15,000 to Rp7,500 per child. Hasan Nasbi, a member of the communications team, emphasized that the only confirmed information regarding the free meal program is a budget allocation of Rp71 trillion.
“As of today, we have not reached any conclusion other than the (nutritious meal budget) of Rp71 trillion,” Hasan stated at the Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization Task Force Media Center in Jakarta on Friday (July 19, 2024).
Hasan also clarified that, at present, no specific budget per child has been decided.
“To date, the only conclusion we have reached is the allocation of the Rp71 trillion budget for free nutritious meals in 2025,” Hasan explained.
President-elect Prabowo has requested that the Rp71 trillion budget be optimized to benefit as many recipients as possible.
As a result, all research, studies, and pilot projects related to nutritious meals will follow Prabowo’s directive, given that the free meal program is a key initiative of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
“The nutritional requirements will be determined by nutritionists. So, there is no fixed price yet. There is no specific figure at all. I am confused by the circulating numbers because we have not released any figures,” Hasan explained.
Additionally, Hasan mentioned that the budget per child will vary depending on their location. Due to the diverse regions in Indonesia, there will be variations in menu and ingredient prices.
“The price will definitely vary depending on the available food ingredients in each region, so the menus will not be the same. It will depend on the food available in different areas. The nutritional requirements that we can provide will adjust accordingly, and the prices will follow suit. So, that is roughly how the process works,” he concluded.
At the same event, Budi Satrio Djiwandono, a member of the Prabowo-Gibran Synchronization Task Force, stated that rumors about the budget cut are speculative and far from the truth.
“These are likely speculative statements from various parties. Our goal tonight is to provide clarification, to present a clear picture of the facts as they currently stand, what is definite, and what will develop in the upcoming days,” Budi said.
