Jakarta. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto defended his flagship free school lunches during the debate on Sunday night, saying that the meals would have a greater impact compared to providing free internet access.

The free school meals have taken center stage in Prabowo’s presidential campaign as a means to help address the stunting rate. This initiative also includes providing nutritional support to pregnant mothers so they can give birth to healthy babies.

“I do agree with the idea of providing free internet access. But it does not mean we should prioritize it over free lunches,” Prabowo said at his final presidential debate in Jakarta on Sunday evening.

“Everybody needs to eat, including children and the poor,” Prabowo said.

He added: “Yes, free internet is good to address the digital gap. So I do not mean to say that it is not important. But if we compare them both, I would say free lunches are strategic to address many problems.”

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