Mass Food Poisoning Strikes Indonesia's School Lunch Program
In a troubling series of events, over 1,000 children in Indonesia have fallen ill due to food poisoning from free school lunches provided under the government's ambitious 'nutritious meals programme.' This initiative, launched by President Prabowo Subianto in January 2025, aimed to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren with a budget of $10 billion. However, recent outbreaks, particularly in West Java, have raised serious concerns about the program's safety and oversight.
Authorities reported that by the end of September, the total number of affected children across 16 provinces has reached 6,452. The latest incident in West Java alone saw more than 1,000 students sickened within a single week. These recurring incidents have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a flagship policy to improve child nutrition, prompting public outrage and calls for immediate action.
Government Response and Program Challenges
Despite the mounting cases of food poisoning, the Indonesian government has insisted on continuing the free meals programme. President Prabowo Subianto defended the initiative on September 29, stating, 'The percentage of those affected is small, and the programme is still finding its footing.' Temporary closures of problematic kitchens for investigation have been ordered, but there has been no indication of a full suspension of the program.
Critics argue that the scale of the outbreaks—over 6,000 cases since the program's inception—points to systemic issues in food preparation and quality control. Reports have identified contamination by harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli in some of the meals served. The government's determination to push forward has fueled debates about whether adequate safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable students.
Public sentiment, as reflected in posts found on X, shows widespread frustration. Many Indonesians have expressed anger over what they perceive as corruption and mismanagement draining national resources while endangering children. The controversy has also led to questions about whether victims' families can pursue legal action against program organizers for negligence.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Reform and Accountability
As the number of affected students continues to climb—reaching 7,119 according to some recent updates—the pressure on the government intensifies. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens are demanding a thorough review of the 'Makan Bergizi Gratis' program to ensure that meals are safe for consumption. Some have called for a temporary halt until stricter regulations and better oversight can be implemented.
The Indonesian Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has acknowledged the severity of the situation but has not outlined specific reforms. With over 6,000 cases reported in just eight months, as noted by the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), the crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and improved standards in this multi-billion-dollar initiative. The future of the programme now hangs in the balance as public trust erodes with each new outbreak.