Indonesian President Prabowo’s free meals plan draws court challenge by civil groups
The Straits Times
Civil groups are questioning the funding arrangements for the US$20 billion (S$25.42 billion) initiative. Read more at straitstimes.com.
JAKARTA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free meals is facing a second constitutional challenge from civil groups who are questioning the funding arrangements for the US$20 billion (S$25.42 billion) initiative.
The civil coalition known as MBG Watch has petitioned the Constitutional Court for a judicial review of the 2026 state budget law that underpins funding for the programme, the group said in a statement on March 10.
MBG Watch is seeking to have parts of the law declared unconstitutional, arguing it gives overly broad discretion over public fund management.
The group also says the legislation was drafted with insufficient transparency and public participation, and lacks clear fiscal safeguards.
Members of the coalition include the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, the Centre for Economic and Legal Studies, Transparency International Indonesia and some individuals.
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