Jakarta – The Prabowo-Gibran administration has begun implementing its presidential campaign promise: providing free lunch. Inspired by various countries worldwide offering free school meals, this initiative targets students from elementary to high school levels.
According to Voice of America, free lunch programs are not limited to underdeveloped nations like Africa and India but are also implemented in prosperous countries such as the United States and Europe.
Objectives of the Free Lunch Program
The program’s goals align closely with those of other nations, such as Rwanda’s aim “to raise awareness of the importance of children getting nutritious food” and Sweden’s focus “to achieve higher education achievements and better health.” Brazil has a specific objective: “to reduce obesity levels, improve children’s nutrition, and enhance education.”
The Prabowo-Gibran initiative outlines five primary objectives:
- Improving children’s nutrition.
- Reducing hunger.
- Enhancing focus and academic performance.
- Reducing inequality.
- Supporting low-income families.
Is It a Gimmick or Genuine Care?
Skepticism about political promises is common, with many dismissing them as mere campaign gimmicks. However, this program has shown potential benefits in countries where it is already implemented.
For example:
- In Sweden, recipients enjoy better health and higher academic achievements.
- In India, the program combats hunger, increases school enrollment, and improves public health.
The question remains whether the Prabowo-Gibran initiative is a short-term tactic or a long-term investment in national welfare.
Challenges and Costs
Implementing this program requires substantial resources. Initially estimated at IDR 460 trillion during the campaign, the proposed allocation in the 2025 State Budget is IDR 71 trillion.
The reduced figure is attributed to a refined program focus—renamed from Free Lunch to Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis).
Critical considerations include:
- Funding Sources: Is the budget drawn from the increased VAT of 12%, which now applies only to premium goods and services?
- Program Sustainability: Ensuring the program’s longevity and effectiveness requires thorough monitoring and evaluation.
Criticism and Reflection
Skeptics often reference TANSTAAFL (There Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch), emphasizing that every initiative has hidden costs. The public should actively evaluate the program and offer constructive feedback to enhance its quality and impact.
Learning from Global Practices
Countries with successful free lunch programs, such as Sweden and India, offer valuable lessons for Indonesia. Policymakers must adapt these insights to local contexts to maximize impact.
Community Involvement
Addressing social issues requires collective action, not just government efforts. Public participation, from providing feedback to supporting related initiatives, is crucial.
In conclusion, while the Free Nutritious Meals program has potential, its success depends on careful planning, efficient implementation, and active public engagement.
