Multiple food poisoning incidents struck Indonesian schools this week, affecting over 800 students and teachers across separate regions. In Sidoarjo, East Java, 566 students became ill after consuming government-provided meals, resulting in 88 hospitalizations. Separately, 49 students in Nganjuk, East Java, fell sick on Wednesday after eating fried rice with chicken and tofu. An additional 237 students and teachers in Agam, West Sumatra, experienced similar illnesses the same day, with eggs suspected as a potential cause. Local authorities responded by suspending meal distribution in both Agam and Sidoarjo pending investigation.
The incidents represent the latest challenges facing the free-meals initiative, which President Prabowo launched last year to address malnutrition across the nation. The program currently provides meals to more than 62 million students and pregnant women nationwide. According to the Network for Education Watch, approximately 37,600 people were believed to have suffered food poisoning connected to the program as of earlier in the month. Social media complaints from previous months documented problems including insects in food items, glass fragments in rice, and inadequate sanitation practices during meal preparation.
Government officials have attributed earlier poisoning cases to improper food storage and delayed delivery of prepared meals. The National Nutrition Agency identified these factors as contributing to food safety failures. President Prabowo has characterized the poisoning incidents as statistically minimal, noting that confirmed cases represent approximately 0.0017% of over a billion meals served. He emphasized that the program has increased school attendance and academic performance while addressing childhood malnutrition and stunting rates.
Public support for the program has declined, with a recent survey indicating that only one-third of respondents expressed satisfaction. Food safety concerns were cited as a primary reason for dissatisfaction. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the initiative’s execution. Despite persistent controversy surrounding management, implementation, and budget allocation, Prabowo reaffirmed in parliament last month that the program would continue with planned improvements focused on food safety and nutritional standards.
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