Indonesia plans to use AI in government programs between 2026 and 2029, including its about US$15 billion free meals program, under a draft presidential regulation awaiting President Prabowo Subianto’s signature.

The draft says AI would help design local menus, monitor kitchen hygiene, predict demand, detect irregularities, and support Indonesia’s free health screening program and tuberculosis testing.

The meals program targets 83 million children and pregnant women.

It had reached 62 million beneficiaries by April 30, 2026, and was supported by more than 14,000 kitchens by late 2025.

The program has faced scrutiny after more than 10,000 children suffered food poisoning, alongside complaints about contamination, sanitation, and distribution delays.

The draft also reiterates plans for a sovereign AI fund to be handled mainly by Danantara Indonesia, the country’s new wealth fund.

🔗 Source: Reuters

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