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The Pescadero Perspective
news Scmp World 2026-06-16

Indonesia reforms free meal program amid corruption allegations

Indonesia is adjusting its $15 billion free nutritious meal program to address corruption concerns while maintaining its commitment to fighting malnutrition.


Indonesia has vowed to overhaul the country’s ambitious free nutritious meals programme following public pressure and recent allegations of corruption – a move analysts described as a “moderate” concession in lieu of an “embarrassing” discontinuation of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship initiative. The US$15 billion initiative aims to reach 83 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers to prevent malnutrition and stunted growth. However, it has been dogged by...

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