Indonesia’s School Meal Program: Between Promise and Pitfalls
Indonesia’s free meal initiative has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy, from food poisoning incidents to food waste concerns, and a cost burden nearly double the global average (as a share of GDP).
Yet, school meal programs can work, as proven in Brazil and India, where proper planning, nutrition standards, and supply chain governance made them tools for education and equity.
If Indonesia intends to follow suit, clear criteria must be met: institutional coordination, nutrition oversight, sustainable budgeting, and local sourcing.
Mandala Consulting analyzes how these programs succeed abroad and how Indonesia can adapt global best practices to its own context.
Human Capital Development
Overview of World's School Meal Program
Publication
•
October 20, 2025
Indonesia’s free meal initiative has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy, from food poisoning incidents to food waste concerns, and a cost burden nearly double the global average (as a share of GDP). Mandala Consulting analyzes how these programs succeed abroad and how Indonesia can adapt global best practices to its own context.
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The purpose of this document is to provide general information about Overview of World's School Meal Program. The contents of this document should not be construed as specific recommendations or advice. For questions about the contents of this document, please contact Mandala Consulting. The information in this article is accurate as of the publication date. However, due to the rapidly changing nature of the law in Indonesia, the accuracy of the information will be limited.