Indonesia's school meal program: Nourishing future and economy

In West Java Indonesia‚ a new school meal program is changing lives. Shakila Fitriyani an 11-year-old student‚ says shes more excited about school now. “I am happy to receive the nutritious meal milk and fruit“ she explains from her modest home (made of bamboo and tiles)

The program‚ which began early this year gives kids like Shakila a free lunch: rice‚ egg veggies‚ milk and fruit. Its part of a bigger plan by Prabowo Subianto the new president‚ to feed 83 million kids and pregnant women across Indonesia

However this big idea has some people worried. Theyʼre not sure if Indonesia can pay for it without messing up its money situation. Also getting food to everyone in a country with so many islands isnt easy

Prabowo who takes over as president in a few days‚ says the program is needed to help kids grow better. Right now‚ 21.5% of kids under five dont grow as they should. He thinks he can do this and still be careful with money

To keep things under control Prabowo is spending less in the first year: only 71 trillion rupiah. This keeps the countrys debt in check. But some experts like Eliza Mardian think this might not be enough especially for things like milk which Indonesia has to buy from other countries

On the bright side‚ Prabowo says this program will create jobs – maybe 25 million of them. Itʼll also help local farmers sell more food. He wants Indonesiaʼs economy to grow much faster: from 5% to 8%

To make sure everything starts on time next year‚ a new group called the National Nutrition Agency was set up a couple months ago. Dadan Hindayana whoʼs in charge‚ says theyʼll start with 3 million kids in January‚ then more as time goes on

In Sukabumi‚ West Java theres already a kitchen making food for 20 schools. Pahmi Idris who runs it‚ says they start cooking before sunrise. They make 3‚300 meals every day‚ using local food as much as they can

People in Sukabumi are seeing good things happen. Roby Nurdin who sells fruit and veggies‚ is making more money. And Lastri Samtiawati a teacher‚ says more kids are coming to school and theyʼre more active

But there are still problems to solve. Many kids dont like eating veggies‚ and setting up kitchens all over Indonesia wonʼt be easy. Some experts also say that to really help kids grow better‚ you need to start even earlier

Even with these challenges‚ the program is making a difference. As Lastri puts it: “I now understand the direct impact of good nutrition for children“