Indonesia has broadened its corruption investigation into President Prabowo Subianto's signature free-meals program, now targeting foundations that supported the nationwide kitchen rollout. The probe centers on the $15-billion initiative designed to provide meals across the archipelago, representing one of the government's largest social spending commitments.

The expansion signals investigators are examining the full ecosystem of organizations involved in implementing the program, which launched as a flagship promise to improve nutrition and support vulnerable populations. Authorities previously focused on procurement and contracting processes before widening scrutiny to the foundational structures.

Government spending scandals typically rattle investor confidence in emerging markets, particularly when they involve high-profile initiatives. The investigation could delay program implementation and force restructuring of contracts worth billions of dollars, potentially affecting suppliers and contractors already mobilized for the rollout.

While the probe continues, the controversy highlights risks facing large-scale social programs in emerging economies where oversight mechanisms may struggle to match ambitious spending targets.