More than 1,700 students and teachers across Indonesia have contracted food poisoning from free school meals over a three-day period, according to school directors. The nationwide nutrition initiative, launched by President Prabowo to combat malnutrition, has faced mounting scrutiny over food storage and late delivery times.
Mass Food Poisoning Sickens 1,700 Across Java Schools
On Java, 777 students and teachers fell ill after eating a free school meal featuring grilled chicken, according to a local school director cited by NOS Nieuws. A canteen worker observed that part of the meat appeared slimy during distribution. Although workers removed the questionable pieces during preparation, the meal was prepared at 3:00 AM and consumed later in the afternoon. Most victims were sent home to recover, while 15 individuals required hospital admission.
This incident follows an outbreak on Tuesday in East Java, where 644 students at a boarding school became ill after consuming a school meal, according to BBC News Indonesia. Dozens required emergency medical care, with some students unable to stand and transported in wheelchairs. Authorities subsequently closed the kitchen responsible for preparing the food.
Supply Chain Failures and Distribution Delays
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which oversees the school meal program, stated that improper food storage and late deliveries caused the widespread poisonings, according to NOS Nieuws. The agency explicitly faulted schools for failing to adhere to mandatory distribution timelines for the prepared meals. In response to the outbreaks, the head of the BGN issued an apology and announced plans to tighten regulatory oversight.
Did you know? President Prabowo’s free school meal initiative delivers daily meals to approximately 62 million students throughout Indonesia, alongside qualifying pregnant women, with the primary goal of eradicating national ondervoeding (malnutrition).
Challenges Facing the National Nutrition Program
While the mass feeding program enjoys broad public support, it has faced persistent allegations regarding corruption and food safety lapses, according to reporting by NOS Nieuws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the food poisoning outbreaks in Indonesian schools?
According to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the illnesses stem from improper food storage and late delivery times, with schools failing to follow strict distribution schedules.
How many people have fallen ill from the meals?
Over a three-day period, the number of sickened students and teachers surpassed 1,700 across multiple institutions in Indonesia.
Who is eligible for the free school meal program?
Approximately 62 million students across Indonesia, as well as pregnant women, are eligible to receive daily meals under the initiative launched by President Prabowo.
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