School Meal Scandal: Indonesia's Free Meal Programme Under Fire

Indonesian authorities are probing food poisoning incidents affecting nearly 700 children in Yogyakarta linked to President Prabowo Subianto's free school meal programme. The programme, initiated in January, faces criticism as 15,000 children have reportedly fallen ill. Officials cite improper storage and late meal delivery as key issues.

Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into food poisoning incidents involving nearly 700 children in Yogyakarta this week. This follows reports of illness after consuming meals provided under President Prabowo Subianto's free school meal initiative.

Introduced in January, the programme was a significant election campaign pledge by Prabowo. However, the initiative has come under scrutiny as data reveals around 15,000 children had fallen ill by October 29, according to the non-governmental organisation JPPI, which is now calling for the programme's suspension.

Authorities blame improper food storage and delayed delivery for the poisoning cases. In Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, around 660 students fell ill from poisoned meals, according to regional head Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih. The national nutrition agency, headed by Dadan Hindayana, is leading investigations and has closed several kitchen facilities. The government aims to reach 70 million recipients by year's end, with a revised budget following operational challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)