As Indonesia's government proceeded with its free meal program initiative, budget restructuring has resulted in delaying the start date for 1.2 million new civil servants and contract workers by up to one year. Due to the delayed start dates, civil servants are facing economic difficulties, which could lead to public dissatisfaction, reduced consumption, and deteriorated public services. Although the government claims the delay is unrelated to the free meal program budget, local media express skepticism about the government's explanation and suggest that budget adjustments for implementing the free meal program are the actual cause. Concerns have been raised that this incident could lead to a decline in public trust due to the government's policy changes.
