Balancing Education and Social Welfare: Indonesia’s Free Meals Program and Its Impact on Higher Education

As an International Teaching and Education Consultant with experience working in developing countries, I have observed firsthand the complexities of education policy, particularly when governments attempt to balance social welfare initiatives with long-term educational investments. Indonesia’s recent Free Nutritious Meals Program launch, a $28 billion annual initiative to feed schoolchildren and pregnant women, sparked widespread discussion, praise, and concern. While the program seeks to combat malnutrition and support vulnerable populations, it comes with significant trade-offs, notably a 25% reduction in higher education, science, and technology funding.

The Free Nutritious Meals Program: A Step Forward for Child Welfare

Malnutrition remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, with 21.5% of children under five suffering from stunted growth due to poor nutrition (Rimbawan et al., 2023). The new program, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration (having taken office on October 20, 2024), seeks to provide free meals to schoolchildren and pregnant women, ensuring that nutrition is no longer a barrier to health and education.