Indonesia's government has launched a full-scale investigation after more than 600 students in the Gunungkidul region of Yogyakarta reportedly fell ill due to food poisoning linked to the government's Free Nutritious Meals Program. The initiative, a cornerstone of President Prabowo Subianto's $10 billion welfare project, aims to provide daily meals to over 70 million schoolchildren and pregnant women across the nation.

The alarming incident has raised fresh concerns about the program's food safety standards and implementation flaws, especially as similar outbreaks have occurred in other provinces since the initiative began in January 2025. Reports indicate that more than 15,000 children have suffered mild to severe symptoms from contaminated meals distributed under the scheme.

Early investigations suggest that poor food storage, inadequate transportation, and delayed meal deliveries are among the main causes of the contamination. In response, local authorities have suspended food distribution in affected areas while the National Nutrition Agency conducts comprehensive testing on the remaining food stocks.

Parents and public health activists have called for greater government transparency and stronger monitoring systems, accusing officials of systemic negligence and weak quality control. They argue that repeated cases of poisoning point to a deeper failure in supervision and accountability within the program's management chain.

Despite the mounting criticism, the Indonesian government remains committed to the initiative, emphasizing its long-term benefits in tackling child malnutrition and supporting school attendance. Officials have announced plans to double the program's budget next year, promising tighter safety measures and more efficient distribution systems.

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