Jakarta. Indonesia spent Rp 101.1 trillion ($5.6 billion) on its Free Nutritious Meals program during the first half of 2026, making it one of the largest items in the state budget, according to figures released by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa on Monday.

The program accounted for 6.1% of central government spending during the period and provided meals to 63.13 million beneficiaries, Purbaya said.

"As an agent of development, the state budget is being used to accelerate the implementation of priority programs, including the Free Nutritious Meals program, which has disbursed Rp 101.1 trillion for 63.13 million beneficiaries," he told a press conference in Jakarta.

Total state spending reached Rp 1,656 trillion ($92.1 billion) in the first half of the year, up 17.8% from the same period last year.

According to Purbaya, the increase reflected higher spending on priority government programs, including the nationwide free meals initiative, social assistance, and infrastructure development.

Central government expenditure totaled Rp 1,298.6 trillion, marking a 29.4% year-on-year increase.

Other major spending items included holiday and 13th-month bonuses for civil servants, pension payments, and energy subsidies.

The government also allocated Rp 13.1 trillion to the People's School program, which provides fully subsidized education, boarding, meals, and clothing for students.

The funding has supported the construction of 104 schools and dormitories as part of the government's effort to expand access to education.

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