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Regions report rising food prices due to free meal program

The Center for Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has warned that the free meal program could potentially trigger food inflation and negatively impact small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
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Wed, October 22, 2025 Published on Oct. 22, 2025 Published on 2025-10-22T17:52:25+07:00

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A worker prepares meal packages for the free nutritious meal program on Feb. 12 in the kitchen of an Islamic boarding school in Kudus regency, Central Java. A worker prepares meal packages for the free nutritious meal program on Feb. 12 in the kitchen of an Islamic boarding school in Kudus regency, Central Java. (Antara/Yusuf Nugroho)

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resident Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meals program has been linked to rising prices of staple foods in several regions, as the massive increase in demand has strained local food supplies and distribution chains.

In Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, egg prices have jumped by roughly 11 percent since the beginning of the month, from Rp 27,000 to Rp 30,000 per kilogram. Similar price hikes have been reported for chicken, chili, shallots and garlic.

According to Ris Heriyani, Head of the Trade Division at the Gunungkidul Trade Agency, the price increases are largely driven by higher demand from various sectors, including the government’s free meal program.

"The sharp increase in demand, especially from government-led programs, prompted producers to adjust prices accordingly. This is a natural market mechanism," she said on Monday as quoted by Kompas.com.

The agency has pledged to closely monitor the distribution channels to prevent any shortages and curb further price increases.

“We will intensify oversight and work closely with distributors to ensure market stability. Most importantly, we aim to prevent panic buying among consumers,” she emphasized.

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Read also: Hundreds fall ill after eating govt provided meals, as Prabowo downplays concerns

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