Indonesia's Free School Meal Programme in Crisis: 9,000 Children Ill, Lawmakers Demand Action
Indonesia's free school meal programme, known as 'Program Makanan Gratis untuk Sekolah' (PMGS), faces a crisis as food poisoning cases surge. Over 9,000 children have fallen ill this year, with only 36 out of 8,000 kitchens certified for hygiene and sanitation. Lawmakers demand improvements, while parents and public call for programme suspension.
The spike in food poisoning cases in August has raised alarm. Most affected kitchens had been operating for less than a month, indicating poor preparation and training. Improper food handling, distribution delays, and lack of food safety knowledge were identified as key issues. The government initially reported 6,000 cases but has since confirmed over 9,000. Despite the outcry, no organisations have directly called on President Prabowo Subianto to suspend the PMGS. However, his government's austerity measures, including a 35% budget cut to primary and higher education, have exacerbated the situation.
With over 9,000 children affected, the PMGS's future hangs in the balance. Lawmakers urge kitchen standards improvement, and the public demands suspension until safety measures are enhanced. The government must address these concerns to protect Indonesia's students.
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