Indonesia to halt free meal scheme during holidays (opens original article in a new tab)

Indonesia will halt its free meal scheme during holidays amid protests against wasteful spending and economic challenges, with the government citing budget efficiency and resource optimization as reasons.

• Indonesia suspends free meal scheme during holidays due to protests over wasteful spending and economic pressures.
• National Nutrition Agency cites budget efficiency and resource optimization as reasons for the suspension.
• The scheme, which benefited 61 million people, faces criticism over costs, food poisonings, and corruption allegations.