Election meal scandal in Indonesia: Food poisoning cases on the rise

The multi-billion dollar policy launched by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto this month, which he placed at the center of his election campaign, promised to reach 82.9 million children and pregnant women out of a population of 280 million by 2029. Subianto had stated that this program would improve quality of life and accelerate economic growth.

However, aside from financial and logistical challenges, the government recently faced a situation in a school in Central Java where 40 students experienced nausea and vomiting after eating. Indonesian presidential spokesperson Hasan Nasbi said, "An incident occurred. 40 students who ate marinated chicken experienced nausea and vomiting."

Nasbi stated that the affected students were treated and have recovered, adding that the food was immediately withdrawn and that this "unwanted incident" would lead to an important assessment to ensure food safety in the future.

According to reports in the Indonesian media, the food poisoning incident at the school in Central Java was not an isolated event, as it was alleged that dozens of students also fell ill in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, after consuming free meals provided by the state.

While the five-year cost of this program, which aims to reduce stunting and malnutrition, is expected to be 45 billion dollars, it was reported that an additional 6.11 billion dollars will be needed to reach more than a quarter of the population by the end of the year. This month, at least 190 kitchens operated by third-party catering services, including those at military bases, were opened across the country.

News Source: 12punto