Jakarta, Jan. 6 -- The Indonesian government's Free Nutritious Meals program will be implemented in stages to reach the target of 83 million beneficiaries nationwide by 2029, the deputy chief of Presidential Staff, M. Qodari, said on Monday.

"As this is a very massive program that reaches all regions in Indonesia with the total number of beneficiaries at almost 83 million, of course, it cannot be done all at once," he said. "It has to be carried out in stages."

He added that the gradual implementation of the free meals program will allow for improvements in the system and mechanism to address potential challenges.

"If it is done simultaneously throughout Indonesia, any problems could escalate into significant issues. However, if it is ...