Indonesia’s free meals programme hit by largest food poisoning incident

New Delhi, Aug 15: At least 365 people in Sragen, Central Java, have fallen ill after eating school lunches, in the largest reported food poisoning case linked to President Prabowo Subianto’s free meals programme.

Authorities have suspended the scheme locally while food samples are tested for contamination.

The $28bn initiative, aimed at tackling child stunting, has faced repeated poisoning cases and criticism over its cost, which has led to budget cuts in several ministries. The suspected meal included turmeric rice, scrambled eggs, fried tempeh, cucumber salad, and milk, prepared in a central kitchen and distributed to multiple schools. The government has pledged to cover all related medical expenses.