Advertisement
Blogsia - A member of Prabowo-Gibran's Synchronization Task Force in the Communication Division, Hasan Nasbi, denied that his team had discussed the free nutritious meal program with Verdhana Sekuritas economist Heriyanto Irawan.
According to Hasan, the synchronization team never talked about the possibility of reducing the budget for the free meal program to Rp7,500 per portion from the initially planned Rp15,000 per portion during the campaign.
"No, from the synchronization team, there was no such discussion," Hasan Nasbi stated at the Prabowo-Gibran Media Center, Jalan Sriwijaya Number 16, South Jakarta, on Friday (July 19, 2024).
"I want to convey that there was no such discussion at all within the team and the synchronization team," Hasan Nasbi emphasized.
Previously, the budget for the free meal program of president-elect Prabowo Subianto had been a point of focus for Verdhana Sekuritas economist Heriyanto Irawan.
Heriyanto mentioned that he had communicated with Prabowo Subianto's economic team. As a result, there was a possibility that the free lunch program budget could be reduced to Rp7,500 per portion from the initially planned Rp15,000 per portion during the campaign.
"But what I find interesting is this: after the Rp71 trillion figure was communicated, the task given by the President-elect to his economic team was to consider whether the daily meal cost could be reduced from Rp15,000, maybe to Rp9,000 or Rp7,500," Heriyanto said during the Mandiri Market Outlook 2024 on Tuesday (July 16, 2024).
Heriyanto considered this possibility reasonable. From a politician's perspective, there is a desire to expand the reach of the free nutritious meal program.
"We can understand that, as a politician, he wants his program to touch as many people as possible. What I take as important is his thought of promoting his program within the limitation of the Rp71 trillion budget," he explained.
Free Meal Program Budget Still Under Review
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy stated that the policy regarding the reduction of the free nutritious meal budget to Rp7,500 per portion is still under review.
"So this is still in the process of being finalized. But God willing, whatever the amount, the important thing is it meets the standards, the health standards," said Muhadjir on Thursday (July 18, 2024).
He added that this policy is also still considering suggestions from various related parties.
Muhadjir Effendy requested that the free nutritious meal program aligns with existing programs, such as the additional food program for pregnant women and supplementary food for toddlers.
"To ensure continuity with existing programs. We have additional food programs for pregnant women and toddlers. Various parties will evaluate this," said Muhadjir.
Gibran's Response to the Rp7,500 Free Meal Issue
Vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that there is no certainty yet regarding the reduction of the budget for the free nutritious meal program, which is a part of his and president-elect Prabowo Subianto's future plans.
"Who said that? Wait for the certainty first," said Gibran when asked about the reduction of the free nutritious meal program budget in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday.
He also requested the media not to report uncertain matters. "Wait first, don't report uncertain things," Gibran said.
Regarding the budget, he considered the Rp15,000 per portion amount to be ideal and already tested in several places.
"Including Solo, on Monday there will be a trial of free lunch. I will invite you later," said Gibran.
(*)
