Key facts
- Indonesia is expanding its corruption investigation into President Prabowo Subianto's free-meals program.
- The free-meals program is valued at $15 billion.
- The investigation now includes foundations responsible for the kitchen rollout.
- The government will pause the program during school holidays.
- The program's overall reach will be scaled back.
- These changes aim to reduce pressure on the state budget.
- The changes also aim to improve the program's efficiency.
Indonesia is intensifying its corruption investigation into President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free-meals program, a $15 billion initiative. The probe has expanded to include foundations that are responsible for the nationwide rollout of the program's kitchens. In parallel, the Indonesian government has announced plans to pause the free meals program during school holidays. This decision, along with a scaling back of the program's overall reach, is intended to reduce pressure on the state budget and enhance operational efficiency. The adjustments follow the ongoing corruption probe, signaling a governmental effort to address concerns and streamline the initiative.