Indonesia's Free School Lunch Initiative Under Scrutiny Amid Economic Struggles

While President Prabowo Subianto promotes free lunches for students as a crucial investment, escalating joblessness and economic concerns have critics questioning the initiative's viability.

As Indonesia grapples with economic challenges, President Prabowo Subianto has launched an ambitious free school lunch program intended to benefit every student in the country. This initiative comes in the face of rising unemployment, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning that Indonesia's jobless rate may soar, potentially becoming the second-highest in Asia.

Among those affected by the economic downturn is Nina Megayanti, who experienced a drastic change in fortune after losing her marketing job during the economic slowdown. The 2023 job loss cascaded into a struggle with housing instability and draining savings, a plight shared by millions of other Indonesians facing financial uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, the government asserts that the economy is performing satisfactorily, citing a 5 percent annual growth rate. However, these claims are met with skepticism from analysts who argue that the government is overlooking alarming employment statistics. Awalil Rizky, an economist at the Bright Institute, emphasizes the disparity between governmental optimism and the harsh realities of the job market.

To support the free lunch program and other social initiatives, President Subianto has redirected significant government funds, including billions of dollars, and implemented austerity measures across various ministries. Critics, however, caution that these budget cuts and the firing of government contractors may exacerbate Indonesia's economic woes rather than mitigate them.

The IMF recently adjusted its unemployment forecast for Indonesia, expecting a slight increase to 5 percent this year. In response to the current economic circumstances, the government also revised its growth expectation for 2025 down to 5 percent from an earlier estimate of 5.2 percent. With such shifts raising uncertainty, the effectiveness and timing of the free lunch program remain hotly debated among economists and citizens alike.