In an unprecedented move, the Indonesian government announced the reduction of its free school meal program from six days to five days in primary and secondary schools, starting March 31. This decision is part of the government’s efforts to address financial pressures stemming from the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices, as this program is considered one of the flagship projects of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Approximately 60 million children, along with pregnant and nursing women, benefit from this program, which constitutes about 10% of the state’s annual budget. Nank Sudariati Diyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, indicated that this reduction would save around 40 trillion rupiah, equivalent to $2.3 billion.
Details of the Decision
During a cabinet meeting, ministers and the president agreed to reduce the number of school meal days, with exceptions for areas experiencing high malnutrition rates, where meals will still be available on Saturdays. This decision comes at a time when Indonesia is facing significant economic challenges, having been affected by rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
The program, launched in January 2025, aimed to address the crisis of malnutrition and stunting in the country, with the government ultimately targeting to feed 83 million people. However, the program has faced criticism after several beneficiaries suffered from food poisoning, raising questions about the safety and quality of the meals provided.
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia has faced multiple economic issues, heavily relying on oil and gas exports. Despite being an oil producer, it imports significant quantities, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Disruptions in global supplies due to the Middle East conflict have increased pressures on the public budget.
Earlier this month, presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi announced that the government aims to allocate around 80 trillion rupiah to protect the economy from the repercussions of the Middle East conflict, without providing further details. Proposed measures include reducing official travel and encouraging the use of public transportation.
Impact & Consequences
Analyses suggest that reducing the school meal program may not be sufficient to address the growing financial deficit. Dini Freyawan, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, pointed out that the government needs to take more comprehensive actions to reduce the financial deficit, such as cutting back on large budget programs.
Additionally, reducing government subsidies for fuel could exacerbate the situation, as Indonesia has previously experienced public unrest due to subsidy cuts. This move serves as a warning for the government to prepare for further economic challenges in the future.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are directly affected by global economic crises, particularly those related to oil prices. With rising oil prices, oil-exporting Arab nations may face similar challenges, necessitating a reevaluation of their economic and social policies.
Under these circumstances, Arab countries must enhance their strategies to adapt to global economic changes and work on improving social support programs to ensure community stability.