Indonesia Launches $28 Billion Free Meal Program to Combat Child Malnutrition

Indonesia's government initiates a $28 billion Free Nutritious Meal program targeting 90 million children and pregnant women to combat malnutrition and stunting. Critics raise concerns about its affordability and potential strain on state finances amid an ambitious goal to achieve an 8% GDP growth. While the initiative aims to enhance child health and farmer incomes, experts warn it could exacerbate fiscal burdens and require careful implementation to avoid misallocation. The program outlines delivering daily meals at no cost to students through newly established kitchens across the nation.