Indonesia Trims Free School Meals Ambitions to Ease Fiscal Strain

The proposed reduction of $2.2 billion follows internal discussions between the Ministry of Finance and the National Nutrition Agency. While the final figures remain under deliberation pending consultation with President Prabowo Subianto, officials emphasize that the move is necessary to manage fiscal stability. The program, which carried a massive 335 trillion rupiah price tag last year, has become a primary target for cost-saving measures as the administration grapples with governance concerns and broader economic volatility.