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Indonesia's $15B School Meal Scheme Faces Hurdles
17 Apr
Summary
- Indonesia launched a $15 billion school meal program over a year ago.
- The program targets 83 million children, mothers, and pregnant women.
- Logistical issues and food poisoning outbreaks have plagued the initiative.
Indonesia's government has initiated a vast, nationwide free nutrition program costing $15 billion this year, designed to improve child nutrition and economic prospects. Launched over a year ago, the scheme aims to reach 83 million children, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women across the archipelago.
Despite its ambitious goals, the program has encountered considerable logistical hurdles and even instances of food poisoning. Critics also point to potential reliance on ultra-processed foods and a lack of evidence for it being an economic stimulant thus far. The rapid rollout, unlike pilot-tested programs in other large developing nations, has drawn expert suggestions for a more targeted, needs-based approach.
The government acknowledges these issues and is actively addressing them, including enforcing food safety regulations and aiming to overcome negative perceptions over time. In rural areas, recipients are reportedly more accepting of the provided meals, with less waste observed compared to urban settings.
