Indonesia has further cut the budget of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meal programme by more than $2 billion, officials said, in a move expected to reduce access to the scheme. The budget for the programme this year has been reduced from 268 trillion rupiah ($14.9 billion) to 229 trillion rupiah, according to the National Nutrition Agency. The programme, originally allocated 335 trillion rupiah, has faced issues including mass poisonings and corruption.
FAQ
- **What is the free meal programme?** The free meal programme is a signature policy of President Prabowo Subianto, aimed at providing meals to children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. - **Why was the budget cut?** The budget was cut as part of several budget-saving measures and due to issues with the programme's implementation, including mass poisonings and corruption. - **How many people are affected by the cut?** The programme currently serves 62.7 million recipients, but the exact number of people impacted by the latest cut has not been detailed. - **What are the future plans for the programme?** The National Nutrition Agency is reviewing the programme's implementation and may make further cuts. The focus is now on improving quality and targeting rather than reaching a specific number of beneficiaries.
The agency's head, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, announced her resignation citing health reasons, following the dismissal of her predecessor and two deputies who were accused of mismanagement.
