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Medium-term height growth benefits of staple food subsidies: a quasi-experimental analysis of the Indonesia Family Life Survey

Hartmann N, Pradella F, Gabrysch S, Ewijk Rv · 10 Sept 2026

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite progress, stunting remains common in Southeast Asia. Social protection may influence child growth through improving food access. Staple food subsidies are implemented in many countries, including Indonesia, and have been shown to improve growth among under-five-year-olds. We examine whether staple subsidies lead to growth gains also in later childhood and how they vary by background vulnerabilities. Methods We leverage data on children aged 8–18 years (N = 38,144) from the longitudinal Indonesia Family Life Survey (1993–2015) to assess impacts of the rice subsidy program RASKIN (introduced in 1998) on household food access and children’s medium-term height outcomes. Household fixed effects adjust for family background characteristics in a quasi-experimental study design. Heterogeneities across subgroups are investigated by interacting subsidy receipt with vulnerability indicators. Findings Staple food subsidies improved household food access and medium-term height outcomes. Past exposure to subsidies was associated with higher height-for-age z-scores (HAZ; 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02;0.11) and lower stunting prevalence (-4.64 percentage points, 95% CI: -6.74; -2.53) compared to unexposed siblings. Beneficial effects were concentrated in rural areas (HAZ increase 0.09 vs. 0.01 in urban areas, interaction p = 0.02) and households not using piped or purchased drinking water (0.09 vs. -0.05, interaction p = 0.002). No heterogeneity was observed by household wealth, maternal education, sanitation and child sex. Interpretation In addition to shorter-term benefits, childhood staple food subsidies improve height among 8-18-year-olds. Understanding the persistence of height gains over the medium term across vulnerability groups is essential for designing equitable nutrition policies.