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More than 800 students and teachers in Indonesia suffer food poisoning after eating government free meals
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Over 800 Indonesian students and teachers have fallen ill from food poisoning linked to President Prabowo Subianto’s free-meals program, with dozens hospitalized due to symptoms like nausea and stomach aches.
- The free-meals program, aimed at combating malnutrition and serving over 62 million students and pregnant women, has faced repeated controversies including food poisoning incidents, alleged corruption, leadership changes, and budget concerns.
- Recent outbreaks occurred in East Java and West Sumatra, prompting local authorities to suspend meal distributions and evaluate food safety protocols; eggs and contaminated kitchens are suspected causes.
- Since the program's inception, approximately 37,600 people have reportedly suffered food poisoning, with watchdog groups and lawmakers criticizing systemic failures despite government assurances and claims of improved school attendance.
- Despite public dissatisfaction and safety issues, President Prabowo has vowed to continue and improve the program, emphasizing its importance in addressing child nutrition and reducing stunting rates.
