RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The Free Nutritious Meal Program has once again become a national talking point after the Indonesian president strongly defended the policy amid criticism from academics and political opponents. The program, which focuses on tackling stunting and malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and elderly citizens, is now being promoted as one of the government’s biggest social intervention projects.
In a public speech, the president said the Free Nutritious Meal Program was not a new concept globally because dozens of developed and democratic countries had already implemented similar policies for years. According to him, the initiative is urgently needed for lower-income communities even if wealthier groups may not see its importance.
The president emphasized that the Free Nutritious Meal Program aims to reduce stunting rates in Indonesia, which once affected around 25 percent of children nationwide. He argued that poor nutrition damages children’s brain development, muscle growth, and bone formation, creating long-term economic and social problems for the country.
He admitted that the policy initially faced strong criticism from various circles, including well-known professors and educated elites. Critics allegedly accused the government of wasting state money and predicted the project would eventually fail.
However, the president insisted he remained confident because the program was designed to address real problems experienced by millions of Indonesians.
Free Nutritious Meal Program Compared With Other Countries
During the speech, the president highlighted that more than 75 countries have already implemented free meal programs for their citizens. He specifically pointed to India as an example of a developing country capable of sustaining a large-scale nutrition initiative.
According to him, India has provided free meals for around 800 million people for more than a decade despite having a lower GDP per capita than Indonesia. The president even mentioned that the policy in India had become part of the country’s legal framework.
He argued that Indonesia should not hesitate to adopt a similar strategy because malnutrition and stunting remain serious national challenges.
The president also rejected claims that the Free Nutritious Meal Program would burden the state budget. Instead, he said the funding came from government efficiency measures and spending cuts in areas considered unproductive.
Budget Efficiency Becomes Key Argument
One of the strongest messages delivered in the speech focused on state budget efficiency. The president claimed his administration redirected funds from unnecessary activities into programs with direct public benefits.
He criticized practices such as excessive hotel meetings, seminars, conferences, and official trips that allegedly consumed public funds without creating meaningful impact for society.
According to him, those budget reallocations allowed the government to finance the Free Nutritious Meal Program without violating fiscal discipline. He stressed that Indonesia’s budget deficit remained below the three percent limit set by the government.
The president also warned about corruption risks within state spending. He argued that budget savings could prevent public money from being misused by irresponsible individuals.
“This money comes from savings and efficiency,” he explained during the speech. “If we did not save it, the money could disappear because of corruption and wasteful activities.”
Anti-Stunting Mission Gains Public Attention
The Free Nutritious Meal Program has become closely linked to Indonesia’s broader anti-stunting campaign. Health experts have long warned that chronic malnutrition affects children’s cognitive abilities and future productivity.
The government believes direct nutritional intervention is one of the fastest ways to reduce the national stunting rate. Through the program, nutritious meals are expected to reach school children, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups across Indonesia.
Supporters argue that the policy could improve human resource quality in the long term, especially in regions with high poverty levels. They also believe the initiative may strengthen food security and local agricultural supply chains if implemented effectively.
Still, criticism continues to emerge regarding execution, transparency, and long-term funding sustainability. Several observers have questioned whether the government can maintain the program consistently on a national scale.
Despite the debate, the president reiterated that the initiative represents a strategic investment for Indonesia’s future generation. He maintained that strong government intervention is necessary to break the cycle of malnutrition and poverty.
As public discussion grows, the Free Nutritious Meal Program is likely to remain one of the most closely watched government policies in Indonesia over the coming years.