Heru Budi Can't Confirm Where The Free Food Budget Comes From At Jakarta School

Acting Governor Of DKI Heru Budi Hartono/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono admitted that he had not yet decided where the budget allocation for the free nutritious program was, similar to Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka's idea.

Meanwhile, a number of factions of the DKI Jakarta DPRD suggested that Heru Budi allocate a budget for the free meal program at this school from the APBD.

"Yes, we will see the posture of the APBD. Discussed there (with the DPRD)," said Heru at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Wednesday, August 14.

In addition, Heru also opened the possibility of a free meal budget for school students in Jakarta allocated from corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from regional-owned enterprises (BUMD).

"BuMD friends with their own intention to set an example through their CSR. Yes, it doesn't matter in Jakarta," said Heru.

In the near future, the DKI Provincial Government will begin testing free meals at schools. At least, this trial began after the commemoration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day.

Heru calculated, if the food served is worth Rp. 15,000 per child, then at least the government needs funds of up to Rp. 8 million per school.

"For example, for the first stage, I calculated approximately five to eight million, elementary school children. If possible, twice a week," he explained.

Since the budget has not yet been allocated, Heru plans to use his operational allowance as Governor to run the trial of this free meal program.

"It's not expensive, (per person) IDR 15 thousand. The governor's operational budget can also be given that, from my budget, the governor's operations," he said.