Indonesia’s Prabowo sacks head of free meal scheme

President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed the leader of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency, the body responsible for his signature free school meals program. The decision, announced June 2, comes as the multi-billion dollar initiative faces significant criticism due to widespread food poisonings and corruption claims. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi cited food quality as a primary concern behind the leadership change, stating that the president "has decided to make changes to the leadership." The program, a key policy of Prabowo's 2024 election campaign, has reportedly provided meals to over 61 million people by March. However, tens of thousands have fallen ill since its inception in January 2025. Critics have called for the program's suspension over hygiene issues and alleged corruption. The anti-graft watchdog Indonesia Corruption Watch filed a complaint against the former agency head, Dadan Hindayana, in May, citing budget irregularities. Hindayana had previously informed Parliament that the program was linked to at least 11,000 poisoning cases, with over 600 hospitalizations. Prabowo has acknowledged the program's issues and pledged to punish any wrongdoers. The government insists that all agency programs will continue during the ongoing evaluation process, with deputy Nanik Sudaryati Deyang replacing Hindayana.

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The president has decided to make changes to the leadership of the National Nutrition Agency.