How many fewer children might receive free meals under the proposed cuts?

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Up to 13.5 Million Fewer Children Could Receive Free Meals

Under proposed budget cuts to Indonesia's flagship free meals programme, the number of children receiving benefits could decrease by as many as 13.5 million. An internal assessment suggests a reduction in beneficiaries from 62.5 million to 49 million. This potential cut is part of a broader effort to reduce the programme's budget, with officials considering a reduction of over US$2 billion.
Potential Reduction in Beneficiaries

An internal review indicates that the number of children eligible for the free meals programme could be reduced from an estimated 62.5 million to 49 million. This represents a significant decrease, highlighting the scale of the proposed changes to the presidential initiative. The assessment is ongoing, and the final figures are subject to revision.
Budgetary and Operational Adjustments

The potential reduction in child recipients is linked to broader fiscal pressures and a review of the programme's budget. Officials are reportedly considering another budget cut exceeding US$2 billion, alongside reductions in the number of operational kitchens. The National Nutrition Agency (NNA), which manages the programme, is targeting a reduction of at least 15 per cent from the current year's budget of 268 trillion rupiah.
Ongoing Assessment and Fiscal Concerns

The exact scope of the budget cut and its impact on beneficiaries are still under internal assessment. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the National Nutrition Agency is exploring various inefficiencies. This review comes amid broader concerns about Indonesia's fiscal discipline, with the free meals programme being President Prabowo Subianto's most significant and costly campaign pledge.

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How many fewer children might receive free meals under the proposed cuts?

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