Nearly 2,000 people have fallen sick in Indonesia.
The cases are linked to the government’s free meals programme.
Most of those affected are students.
Officials reported the cases between September 1 and September 3.
About 1,950 people were affected across five provinces.
The provinces include East Java, Central Java, West Sumatra, Aceh and South Sulawesi.
Students Report Food Poisoning Symptoms
One of the biggest outbreaks happened in Central Java.
More than 770 people became sick at a high school in Rembang.
The group included students and teachers.
Many reported stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Another major outbreak happened in Sidoarjo, East Java.
About 730 people became sick there.
Most of them were students at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic boarding school.
Health officials said 706 people had already left the hospital.
They were recovering at home.
The Meals Came From a Government Programme
The affected meals were provided through Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals programme.
The programme is known as MBG.
President Prabowo Subianto launched the programme in January 2025.
Its goal is to provide nutritious meals to millions of people.
The programme focuses mainly on children and other vulnerable groups.
It also aims to fight malnutrition and childhood stunting.
However, the latest outbreaks have raised new safety concerns.
Food Safety Concerns Are Growing
This is not the first food poisoning problem linked to the programme.
More than 50,000 people have reportedly been affected since its launch.
Officials have linked many cases to poor food safety practices.
These problems can include poor storage and unsafe food handling.
The government is now facing pressure to improve safety standards.
Authorities are also investigating the latest outbreaks.
Indonesia’s top human rights body has also called for action.
Komnas HAM urged police to investigate the incidents.
The group also called for suspected kitchens to be suspended.
It said people have a right to safe food.
No Deaths Have Been Reported
There have been no reported deaths from the latest outbreaks.
Some people needed hospital treatment.
Others were able to recover at home.
Health officials are still looking into what caused the illnesses.
They are also reviewing food preparation and distribution.
The government has continued to defend the free meals programme.
However, the latest cases are putting more pressure on officials.
They must now show that the meals are safe as well as nutritious.
For thousands of Indonesian families, that safety is becoming just as important as the free food itself.
