TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto offered an apology that not all children have received the free nutritious meals. However, he assured the public that the program's funding is adequate. He made this statement during the inauguration of the Jatigede Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in Sumedang, West Java, on Monday, January 20, 2025.

He mentioned logistical and administrative challenges in implementing this program nationwide. “But I am certain that by the end of 2025, all Indonesian children will get nutritious food,” he said in Sumedang.

He emphasized that this huge program requires collaboration among all relevant agencies. “I guarantee the funds are available. I guarantee the funds are there for all Indonesian children,” he reiterated.

The President also urged for expedited distribution of nutritious food. “I emphasize the need to find the most efficient and quickest way to ensure all our children benefit from this program,” he added.

He revealed that the cautious approach to program budget oversight has contributed to delays in some areas. “To ensure the proper use of funds, we must adhere to specific procedures, which naturally take time,” he said.

The free nutritious meal program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including toddlers, students in Islamic boarding schools, preschoolers (PAUD), kindergarteners (TK), elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The number of recipients is expected to reach 15 million by the end of 2025. The program initially launched at 190 locations across 26 provinces.

Meanwhile, the budget for the free nutritious meal program was adjusted to Rp10,000 per portion, based on the assumption that this allocation would adequately cover regional needs. President Prabowo provided an example, stating that a family with three to four children could potentially receive Rp2.7 million per month under this policy and budget allocation.

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