In a troubling series of events, over 1,700 people in Indonesia have reported food poisoning following free meals served as part of a government program aimed at improving nutrition for children. The incidents have sparked alarm and criticism regarding the safety and management of the program.

On September 2, 2026, at a high school in Lasem, Central Java, 777 students and teachers experienced symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting after consuming a meal that included grilled chicken. Prior to serving, food inspectors noted that some pieces of chicken showed signs of spoilage. The principal of the school, Juhartutik, revealed that the meal was prepared around 3 AM but not served until noon, raising questions about food storage practices.

Local physician Joko Paryanto reported that 15 individuals, including students and teachers, required hospitalization, while the majority of the affected individuals were treated and sent home. This incident is part of a broader pattern of food poisoning cases linked to the free meal program, which has been in operation since 2025.

On September 1, 2026, 664 students in Sidoarjo, East Java, also fell ill, and additional cases were reported on September 2 in Nganjuk and Agam, with 49 and 237 individuals affected, respectively. Charles Honoris, a member of Indonesia's parliamentary health committee, stated that these incidents indicate a systemic failure rather than isolated events, emphasizing the need for improved oversight.

The free meal program, which has a budget of approximately $12.94 billion, aims to enhance nutrition for millions of children. However, it has faced significant criticism regarding management, costs, and several food poisoning outbreaks. As of September 1, around 50,000 individuals have been reported affected by food poisoning related to this initiative.

Experts have pointed out that improper food storage and prolonged transportation times for cooked meals are common causes of food poisoning. A survey conducted in July by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting revealed that only about one-third of respondents were satisfied with the program, with food poisoning incidents contributing to a decline in public support.