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Indonesia cuts free-meal budget amid soaring fuel prices, despite previous assurances

Indonesia aims to save 40 trillion rupiah (US$2.3 billion) by serving five free meals a week instead of six.

Published: 6:06pm, 30 Mar 2026

Indonesia is looking to save 40 trillion rupiah (US$2.3 billion) by cutting back on its free-meal programme from March 31, 2026. The meals primarily serve schoolchildren, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers across the country.

Indonesia cuts free-meal budget amid soaring fuel prices, despite previous assurances

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Indonesia aims to save 40 trillion rupiah (US$2.3 billion) by serving five free meals a week instead of six.

Indonesia aims to save 40 trillion rupiah (US$2.3 billion) by serving five free meals a week instead of six.