Reuters cited unnamed members of two parties in Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s coalition who described internal moves to pull back from the Free Nutritious Meals program, as a survey found broad dissatisfaction with its implementation.
Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) surveyed 1,213 eligible voters from Oct. 1-10. It found that 61.4% were less than satisfied or not satisfied with implementation, while 33.8% were very or fairly satisfied. The latter share was down from 62.5% in November 2025. The 61.4% figure measures views of implementation, not support for continuing the program.
SMRC also reported that satisfaction with Prabowo’s job performance was 44.5% in October, down from 81.2% in November 2025. The October result was the lowest in the series described in the pollster’s release.
Reuters said a source from a third coalition party believed the program’s problems could hurt its electoral prospects. The outlet did not name the parties or sources. Gerindra spokesman Sugiat Santoso told Reuters the coalition remained cohesive. National Mandate Party deputy chief Viva Yoga Mauladi told Reuters his party continued to support the program.
Food safety oversight has prompted government action. The Cabinet Secretariat said Aug. 28 that 833 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) had been closed, with another 455 slated for permanent closure for failing to meet hygiene-certificate requirements. Ministry of Health surveillance figures presented to a parliamentary health committee recorded 50,059 people affected in 560 incidents across 36 provinces and 245 districts and cities as of Sept. 2.
The government’s 2026 budget speech set a target of 82.9 million beneficiaries, including students, pregnant women and children under five. The Finance Ministry’s 2027 draft-budget explainer lists Rp240 trillion for 60.6 million beneficiaries; an August release from the House of Representatives cited Rp242 trillion, and the difference was not explained.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said officials were reviewing implementation and management to improve the program’s quality and targeting.
