On August 14, in the city of Sragen in Central Java province, Indonesia, more than 360 students and citizens suffered mass poisoning after eating during a free school lunch program. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This program is being implemented on the initiative of President Prabowo Subianto. Those poisoned have been hospitalized and their condition is currently under control.
One of the school students woke up at night with severe stomach pain, headache, and diarrhea. It was reported on social media that classmates also made similar complaints.
Officials are calling this the largest mass poisoning incident in the free meal program. Food distribution has been temporarily suspended until laboratory test results are available.
Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency, noted that sanitation rules were strengthened following previous poisoning incidents. The free school lunch program is one of the President’s pre-election promises, established to improve the living standards of the population and contribute to economic development.
The President emphasized that such programs are an investment in the health of the younger generation and improve their future educational opportunities. Investigations into the situation are currently ongoing.
Officials recommend that the public observe precautionary measures until official information is provided. This incident highlights the need for stricter control over food safety in schools.
