An investigation has been launched after around 400 children fell ill following the consumption of free school meals in western Bengkulu province, Indonesia, raising concerns over President Prabowo Subianto’s food programme aimed at aiding pregnant women and children.
- The incident came to light on the same day President Prabowo arrived in Beijing, China, to partake in events commemorating the end of World War II.
- Mass antigovernment protests across Indonesia had previously rocked cities over economic issues.
Mian, Vice Governor of Bengkulu Province, announced the temporary suspension of operations at the implicated kitchen to determine the cause of the illness. Dadan Hindayana, the chief of the National Nutrition Agency overseeing the programme, suggested an evaluation of services in light of recent food testing.
Since its inception in January, Prabowo’s free school meal initiative has expanded to benefit over 20 million recipients, with plans to reach 83 million by year-end, at a cost of 171 trillion rupiah ($10.52 billion). The programme has faced contamination issues prior to the Bengkulu incident, with 365 people having fallen ill from consumption in Central Java last month, linked to poor sanitation.
In the latest case, children between 4 and 12 years old were treated at hospital due to stomach pain, as shown in local government footage. Despite domestic unrest, Prabowo proceeded with his state visit to China, where he observed a military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Protests in Indonesia have been met with significant forces, with reports stating at least 10 deaths and 500 injuries as cited by civic groups and officials. This has prompted international calls from the United Nations for investigations into the alleged excessive force used against demonstrators, with an emphasis on the necessity for dialogue to address public concerns.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/3/some-400-indonesian-school-children-fall-ill-after-eating-free-school-meals?traffic_source=rss
