"(I am) optimistic, for sure," he remarked after attending the launch of a childhood stunting prevention movement in Karawang District, West Java, on Thursday.
Wihaji emphasized that his side would follow and implement every decision made by the government, including the amount of budget allocated for the program.
"As a minister, it is mandatory for me to conform with (decisions of) the state. We will work according to any decision made by the central government," he emphasized.
Earlier, on November 30, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, underlined that the Rp10 thousand-per-serving budget has proven to be sufficient in a trial conducted in Sukabumi, West Java.
He said the budget was adequate to provide meals with balanced nutritional content that includes carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to meet the daily needs of the recipients.
Hindayana also stated that the implementation of the budget of Rp10 thousand will be flexible, contingent upon the needs of each region.
He noted that the remaining budget from surplus regions will be allocated to other areas needing additional funds, especially those with higher raw material prices.
The official also highlighted that the budget would be used to procure raw food materials to be cooked on-site by involving the community and local catering businesses instead of purchasing ready-to-eat meals.
On November 29, President Prabowo Subianto announced that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals program was set at Rp10 thousand per child or pregnant woman per day.
He highlighted that the government was keen to allocate Rp15 thousand (US$0.94) for each portion, but the current budget only allowed for Rp10 thousand.
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Translator: Farhan Arda, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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