Mass Food Poisoning Strikes Indonesia's School Meals Program

Over 800 students fell ill in two mass food poisoning outbreaks in Indonesia, linked to a government-sponsored school meals program. Despite the incidents, the program will continue with increased oversight and a revised menu, aiming to feed millions of students nationwide.

In a disturbing development, more than 800 students across Indonesia were affected by mass food poisoning incidents this week, linked to the government's free school meals program. Officials disclosed these cases on Friday, spotlighting the challenges in President Prabowo Subianto's ambitious initiative.

One significant outbreak occurred in West Java, where 569 students suffered from nausea and vomiting after consuming the meals. Meanwhile, another 277 students in Central Sulawesi were similarly affected, prompting temporary meal distribution halts in certain areas.

Despite these setbacks, the program will not be halted. Instead, increased meal surveillance and a simplified menu will be introduced, driving continued efforts to feed millions of children across the nation as part of the expansive governmental agenda.

(With inputs from agencies.)