Indonesia pauses free meal programme during school break amid economic pressure and looming reforms

Indonesia is pausing its free meal programme from June 22 to July 13 for the school holidays. The move is intended to ease economic and public pressure, amid recent allegations of corruption. 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 faced controversy since its launch in January 2025, with critics pointing to weak oversight, limited budget transparency and insufficient food safety guidance.