Indonesian president's allies distance themselves from flagship free meals programme

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s political allies have begun distancing themselves from his flagship free meals programme, amid rising tensions within his ruling coalition. The shift comes as the president's approval rating declines, following a recent public opinion poll conducted in early October by a research firm which indicated that approximately 62 per cent of the public opposed the initiative.

While Prabowo's big-tent coalition has previously provided him with nearly unchecked power, the programme has faced severe setbacks. Reports indicate that the initiative has been impacted by issues including mass food poisoning and graft, contributing to the growing political friction and public backlash surrounding the signature policy in Jakarta.