Indonesia’s Nutrition Agency has pledged intensified efforts to address food poisoning cases linked to the government’s free meals programme, a key initiative introduced in January 2025 under President Prabowo Subianto. The programme, intended to improve nutrition among vulnerable populations, has faced significant challenges, including reported instances of foodborne illness and allegations of corruption.

Sudaryono, head of the Nutrition Agency, highlighted the urgency of tackling food poisoning among recipients during a recent event. Government data indicated that by September, approximately 57,000 individuals participating in the programme had contracted food poisoning. The current rate of foodborne illness stands at 3.6 cases per one million servings, markedly higher than comparable figures in countries like the United States, where the rate is 0.1, and Japan at 0.8.

To reduce contamination risks, the agency plans to enhance oversight of nearly 27,000 kitchens involved in meal preparation by implementing continuous monitoring through closed-circuit television cameras. This initiative aims to increase compliance with hygiene standards and improve supervision of food handlers.

Additionally, the Nutrition Agency intends to establish a dedicated market platform next month requiring all kitchens to procure seven staple food items—such as rice, eggs, beef, and chicken—through this centralized system. Officials say the platform is designed to support small-scale farmers and fishermen by ensuring they have direct access to the programme, preventing the domination of supply chains by larger suppliers.

Despite the programme’s ambitious scope, its 2026 budget was reduced significantly, declining by 44 trillion rupiah (approximately $2.42 billion) from its initial allocation of 268 trillion rupiah. To address nutritional deficiencies in the most affected areas, the agency has launched 1,460 kitchens specifically targeting remote regions and communities with high rates of child stunting.

Sudaryono emphasized the agency’s commitment to eliminating food poisoning incidents, describing it as an immediate priority. The free meals programme remains a central pillar of the government’s broader efforts to combat malnutrition and promote public health, though managers acknowledge that ongoing challenges require continued attention and reform.