Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Over 800 Students Ill After Free School Meals in Indonesia
Hundreds of students in Indonesia got sick after eating free meals from a government program.
One outbreak in West Java made over 500 students sick after eating chicken and rice.
Another incident in Central Sulawesi affected over 200 students.
The government apologized and is increasing oversight.
The free meal program is large and expensive, with plans to double the budget.
Officials are investigating, and the menu might change to include foods like bread, milk, eggs, and fruit.
Over 800 students fell ill due to food poisoning from free school meals.
Incidents occurred in West Java and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
569 students in West Java were affected after consuming chicken and rice.
The government apologized for the incidents.
The government will increase oversight and is considering menu adjustments.
- Who
- Students and the Indonesian government
- What
- Mass food poisoning incidents linked to free school meals
- When
- This week; cases reported Friday
- Where
- West Java and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Why
- Unknown; raising questions about safety and oversight of the free school meal program.
- Affected Students
- Over 800
- Incidents
- Two
- Location 1
- Garut region, West Java
- Location 2
- Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi
- Meal Provider
- Government-sponsored program
- Program Goal
- Reach 83 million recipients by year-end
- Program Budget
- 171 trillion rupiah ($10.32 billion)
