Indonesia
The budget for the program for this year has been cut from Rp 268 trillion ($14.9 billion) to Rp 229 trillion, the National Nutrition Agency secretary Lili Khamiliyah told a news conference on Tuesday.
Members of the Cimahi Clown Community distribute free meals to new students during the school orientation program at the SDN Cibeber elementary school complex in Cimahi, West Java, on July 14, 2026. The community organized entertainment, motivational activities and educational sessions on the “Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children“ while promoting the government's free meals program to help new students feel safe and welcome. (Antara/Abdan Syakura)
The government has further cut the budget of free meal program by more than $2 billion, officials said, in a move expected to reduce access to the scheme.The budget for the program for this year has been cut from Rp 268 trillion ($14.9 billion) to Rp 229 trillion, the National Nutrition Agency secretary Lili Khamiliyah told a news conference on Tuesday.
The administration of President Prabowo Subianto originally allocated Rp 335 trillion for the program this year, but it had been reduced following several budget-saving measures.
