Indonesia Links Prabowo’s Free Meal Program to Surge in Food Poisoning Cases

Indonesia’s flagship free meal initiative, touted as a major step to tackle child malnutrition, has come under intense scrutiny after government data revealed it was linked to nearly half of the nation’s food poisoning cases this year.

The programme, introduced in January by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren and low-income families. But in recent months, thousands have fallen ill, raising serious questions about food safety standards and oversight.

Speaking before lawmakers on Wednesday, Dadan Hindayana, head of Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN), said that since the programme’s launch, more than 11,000 people across the country had suffered food poisoning, with over 600 hospitalised. According to BGN’s data, the free meal scheme accounts for around 48 percent of all reported cases nationwide.

“The intention of this programme is noble, but the implementation needs stricter control to ensure food safety and hygiene,” Hindayana told parliament. He added that investigations are ongoing to determine where the lapses occurred and how food suppliers were vetted.

President Prabowo’s administration has promoted the initiative as a cornerstone of its national welfare agenda, pledging billions of dollars to address chronic malnutrition and improve child health outcomes. However, the growing number of illnesses has sparked public concern and prompted critics to urge a temporary suspension until safety protocols are strengthened.

Local media have reported incidents in several provinces, where contaminated or poorly stored food allegedly caused outbreaks in schools and community centres. In some cases, meals were prepared in facilities lacking proper sanitation or refrigeration.

Health experts say the government’s rapid rollout may have compromised quality control, especially in remote areas where infrastructure and supervision remain limited. “The scale of this programme demands consistent monitoring, from procurement to distribution,” said one public health analyst. “Without that, good intentions can easily lead to harmful results.”

Despite the controversy, government officials insist the programme will continue, promising tougher inspection measures and improved supplier guidelines. “We are working to fix the weaknesses,” Hindayana said. “Ending the initiative would hurt millions who rely on it daily.”

The scandal poses an early challenge for President Prabowo, who campaigned on a platform of social welfare and national resilience. How his administration handles the crisis could shape public confidence in both his leadership and Indonesia’s broader fight against malnutrition.