Prabowo's Free School Meals: Will It Work?

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Post on Oct 20, 2024

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Prabowo's Free School Meals: Will it Work?

The 2024 Indonesian presidential elections are heating up, and one of the major talking points has been Prabowo Subianto's proposed free school meals program. It's a bold plan, aiming to tackle hunger and improve education by providing daily meals to all Indonesian students. But will it actually work?

Let's dive into the details. Free school meals are a common policy in many countries, and they're often touted as a way to improve school attendance, academic performance, and overall health. Prabowo's proposal is based on the idea that a nutritious meal will give kids the energy and focus they need to succeed in the classroom.

The devil is in the details, though. Implementing a national program of this scale is a massive undertaking. It requires careful planning, logistics, and a significant investment of funds. There are several questions that need to be addressed:

Can Indonesia afford it?

The cost of feeding millions of students every day is no joke. While Prabowo has promised to find the money, some critics argue that it could strain the national budget, potentially diverting funds from other important areas.

Will the food be nutritious and appealing?

Making sure the meals are actually good is key. Kids aren't gonna eat something they hate, so variety and quality are essential. There's also the issue of allergies and dietary restrictions – the program needs to be inclusive.

Can we overcome the logistics challenge?

Getting food to all schools on time, every day is no easy feat. Indonesia's vast geography and sometimes limited infrastructure could make it a logistical nightmare.

Will it actually improve student outcomes?

The ultimate test of any policy is whether it achieves its goals. While there's evidence that free school meals can be effective, it's not a guaranteed solution. Other factors, like teacher quality and home environment, also play a huge role in student success.

Only time will tell if Prabowo's free school meals plan will truly work. But the idea itself is a powerful one, and it's worth considering if it's the right approach to tackling hunger and improving education in Indonesia.