Indonesia’s government has removed the head of its flagship free meals programme following mounting criticism over widespread food poisoning incidents and allegations of financial irregularities linked to the multi-billion-dollar initiative.
President Prabowo Subianto dismissed Dadan Hindayana, the chief of the National Nutrition Agency, as scrutiny intensifies over the programme that was a cornerstone of his successful 2024 presidential campaign.
The ambitious scheme aims to provide free meals to as many as 80 million schoolchildren nationwide, but its rollout has been overshadowed by controversy since its launch in January last year.
According to local watchdog groups, at least 33,000 food poisoning cases had been linked to the programme as of April, prompting growing calls from critics and public health advocates for the initiative to be suspended.
Dadan’s dismissal came just days after Indonesia’s anti-corruption agency lodged a complaint alleging inconsistencies in budgeting and financial management across kitchens participating in the programme.
The controversy deepened further on Wednesday when officials from the Attorney General’s Office reportedly raided the headquarters of the National Nutrition Agency as part of an ongoing investigation. Employees were temporarily prevented from entering the premises during the operation.
Dadan has been replaced by his deputy, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, a former journalist who was also part of Prabowo’s 2024 election campaign team.
While some Indonesians welcomed the leadership change, others questioned whether replacing one official would address the deeper structural problems facing the programme.
Critics argued that the initiative requires comprehensive reforms rather than a simple change in management, warning that recurring issues could continue unless the entire system is overhauled.
Questions have also been raised over Nanik’s appointment, with some observers noting her lack of professional experience in nutrition or food safety.
The free meals programme has become one of the most expensive government initiatives undertaken by Prabowo’s administration and has attracted criticism over its significant financial burden at a time when Indonesia is facing economic challenges, including weakening trade surpluses and pressure on its currency.
Authorities have already scaled back the programme from six days a week to five as part of broader efforts to manage government spending amid global economic uncertainty and the impact of geopolitical tensions.
Dadan himself had previously drawn criticism over a series of controversial remarks, including suggestions that Indonesians should consume two litres of milk daily and proposals to incorporate insects and sago worms into school meals.
Despite the setbacks, President Prabowo has continued to defend the programme, acknowledging that implementation has faced numerous challenges but insisting that it remains vital to improving child nutrition and supporting lower-income families.
He has also pledged action against anyone found abusing their authority or violating regulations connected to the scheme.
According to Prabowo, many ordinary Indonesians, particularly those in rural communities, continue to support the programme and view it as an important source of assistance for their children and grandchildren.
As investigations continue, the future of one of Indonesia’s most high-profile social programmes remains under intense public scrutiny.
