Indonesian President Prabowo talks to Millennials and Gen Z that future depends on free meals

While the scope and intent of the plan are laudable, its implementation, costs and political implications pose significant challenges that will test Prabowo's leadership and define his legacy.

The program addresses a key issue: widespread chronic malnutrition among children. The initiative aims to provide free, nutritious meals to schoolchildren, pre-schoolers and mothers during critical stages of development.

Prabowo's government plans to benefit more than 80 million Indonesians by the end of its term, making it one of the largest social welfare initiatives in the region. In addition to addressing undernutrition, the program works to strengthen local economies by cultivating the systems and resources needed to deliver meals.

The potential socio-economic impact of the scheme is huge. By raising nutritional standards, the program could improve educational achievement, increase labor productivity and reduce long-term health care costs. Additionally, its focus on sanitation and waste management ensures that the program does not exacerbate Indonesia’s environmental challenges. This holistic approach could serve as a model for future government measures in countries facing rapid urbanization and ecological pressures.

However, the sheer scale brings huge logistical and financial pressures. The cost of the program is estimated to be 0.5% of Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) annually, and could consume as much as one-sixth of the national budget when fully implemented. This raises serious concerns about fiscal sustainability against a backdrop of domestic economic pressures and international challenges. Achieving this while securing other key priorities will further test Prabowo's leadership.

For Prabowo, the plan is not just a policy but a high-stakes political strategy. Its success could cement his reputation as a transformational leader who prioritizes the well-being of Indonesia's most vulnerable citizens. On the contrary, defeat could damage his credibility and weaken his political standing, especially among the country's younger generations.

Millennials are a critical demographic. Many are parents and have a vested interest in the well-being of their children. If the program delivers on its promise of high-quality meals and improved nutrition, it could boost Prabowo's standing among this group.

In addition, by reducing household food expenditures, the program can alleviate some of the financial burden on families. Millennials’ concerns about social equity and public health align closely with the program’s goals, providing Prabowo with an opportunity to gain their support.

Gen Z, on the other hand, represents a double-edged political consideration. The younger generation currently in secondary school will directly benefit from the scheme, but their approval will be fickle. While they may welcome the immediate personal gain, this will depend on providing them and their companions with high-quality meals on a regular basis.

Older generations of Gen Z are prepared to view the plan with greater skepticism. They may question its fairness and effectiveness as its benefits go beyond and there are few direct impacts.

Both groups are known for their critical engagement with social justice and governance and will be closely monitoring the implementation of the plan. Any perception of mismanagement or superficiality could deepen their disillusionment, posing significant risks to Prabowo’s political capital among these important emerging voters.

While the program has potential, it is also fraught with risks. The scale and complexity of the program make it prone to mismanagement and inefficiency. Ensuring that resources reach intended beneficiaries, maintaining quality standards, and avoiding corruption requires strong oversight and transparency, qualities that are lacking in most large government programs.

Financial sustainability remains a pressing issue. The viability of the program depends on balancing costs with other fiscal priorities. If its benefits are unclear, middle- and upper-income voters may criticize it as an inefficient use of taxpayer funds. Prabowo must deal effectively with these economic and political challenges to maintain broad support.

The timetable for the plan's benefits brings political risks. While the results of reduced malnutrition and improved public health are long-term, Gen Z voters may expect faster results. A slow rollout is likely to fuel dissatisfaction, especially among those waiting for its benefits. Failure to achieve clear results before the 2029 elections could undermine Prabowo's standing among young voters who value efficiency and accountability.

While the political opposition will undoubtedly seek to exploit any flaws in the plan, the greater risk may lie in political opportunism within the governing coalition or other political actors. Factions within the government are more likely to exploit the program for personal gain or political support than to ensure its effective implementation. Such behavior may prioritize its own interests and seriously damage its credibility.

Critics may see the move as an overreach of government power or a populist gesture aimed at securing votes rather than bringing about substantive change. Any apparent inefficiency, corruption or mismanagement threatens to erode public confidence in Prabowo's leadership, turning the program from a potential political asset into a liability while reinforcing demands for accountability.

To counter that narrative, Prabowo will need to overcome deep-seated doubts about the government's ability to execute such an ambitious plan.

While clear results are critical, achieving them often falls victim to opaque processes and poor execution. Reporting mechanisms often appear superficial rather than true performance checks. Involving civil society and local communities can improve credibility, but entrenched bureaucratic inertia and a system of political patronage threaten to turn the measure into another symbol of state failure.

This was a critical moment in Prabowo's presidency. Its success could position him as a leader who solves Indonesia's pressing social challenges while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. By improving public health, promoting social equity and prioritizing sustainability, Prabowo has the opportunity to build a lasting legacy.

However, realizing this vision requires meeting significant financial, logistical and political challenges. Prabowo must balance the plan's ambitious goals with fiscal responsibility, ensure transparent implementation and manage the competing interests of public, private and community stakeholders.

The free nutritious meal program is not only a test of Prabowo's political future, but also a litmus test of the government's ability to deliver on its ambitious promises. Success can bring goodwill to state-led initiatives, while failure can deepen doubts about institutional capacity and politicians' commitment to real reform.