Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Prabowo Defends Free Meal Plan After Food Poisoning
President Prabowo is standing behind his free meal program.
The program gives meals to kids and pregnant women and has already helped millions.
However, about 6,000 people got sick from food poisoning.
Prabowo says the number affected is small compared to the total meals served and the program is still new.
The government is taking steps to improve safety by adding food testing, water filters, and cameras in the kitchens.
Some people worry about how long the program can last, given its cost.
President Prabowo defended the free meal program.
The program provides free meals for pregnant women and children.
Around 30 million people are currently receiving meals.
Approximately 6,000 cases of food poisoning were reported.
Prabowo ordered improvements to ensure food safety.
- Who
- President Prabowo Subianto
- What
- Defended free meal program despite food poisoning incidents
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Indonesia
- Why
- After reports of food poisoning and public concern.
Advocates of the Program
Critics of the Program
Food Safety Concerns
Advocates of the Program
Acknowledged shortcomings, but emphasizes the small percentage of issues relative to the scale of the program.
Critics of the Program
Public outcry and demand for suspension of the program due to reported food poisoning incidents.
Program Sustainability
Advocates of the Program
Emphasizing the benefits and goals of child nutrition and job creation for local people
Critics of the Program
Express concerns related to the cost and long-term financial sustainability of the program.
- Event
- President Prabowo defends free meal program
- Involved
- President Prabowo, National Nutrition Agency
- Program Aim
- Provide free meals for children & pregnant women; prevent child stunting
- Recipients
- 30 million; target: 83 million
- Incidents
- Approximately 6,000 cases of food poisoning
- Kitchen Closures
- 40 kitchens closed due to hygiene
Sources
Indonesia council calls for press freedom after presidential office revokes reporter’s access
Indonesia restores reporter’s palace access after revocation sparks press freedom concerns
Indonesian president defends free meals programme after 6,000 suffer food poisoning
