Mass Food Poisoning Sparks Protests Against Indonesia’s Costly Free School Meals Plan
Over 360 students fell ill in Sragen, Central Java, after consuming free school lunches provided under President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship meals initiative — marking the largest food poisoning incident since the program launched in January The Guardian Jang.
Local authorities have halted the distribution of meals while testing samples for contamination. The reported culprit? Meals like turmeric rice, scrambled eggs, fried tempeh, cucumber salad, and milk—all prepared at a central kitchen People.com.
This incident joins more than 1,000 food poisoning cases nationwide tied to the program, triggering protests and mounting concerns over food safety, hygiene oversight, and program sustainability The Guardian The Australian.
What’s Behind the Crisis?
The ambitious plan — valued at $10.6 billion and intended to feed millions of students and expectant mothers — has been flagged for budget strain and operational flaws. Critics warn that logistics and hygiene issues may be undermining its noble goals AP News Reuters.
What’s at Stake
- Public health: Food safety breaches can erode confidence and harm children’s well-being.
- Policy credibility: A campaign promise is now under scrutiny due to foodborne illness outbreaks.
- Urgent review needed: Experts call for cleaning kitchen protocols, better oversight, and improved hygiene controls.
Suggested Visual for Readers
The image above portrays common food poisoning symptoms and causes, providing a visual context to the health impact of the crisis.
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