Indonesia’s rights body calls for police probe into food poisoning of 2,000 students

The Indonesian Human Rights Commission, known as Komnas HAM, has called for a police investigation into multiple food poisoning incidents that have affected around 2,000 students and teachers linked to President Prabowo Subianto's free meal program. The program, launched last year to combat malnutrition, has reportedly made over 2,000 people sick this week.

Komnas HAM stated that the right to safe food is a human right and that without proper sanitation standards, the program's moral legitimacy is at risk. They urged the National Police to launch an investigation into the poisoning cases without providing further details. The National Nutrition Agency, which oversees the program, was also asked to suspend the kitchens suspected of causing the outbreaks.

Some 170 students and teachers in South Sulawesi fell ill after consuming the meals on Thursday, adding to over 1,700 cases reported in Central Java, East Java, and West Sumatra. The agency was scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday but postponed it, citing no reason or new date. A lawmaker cited health department data showing 50,000 individuals had been affected by food poisoning cases as of September 1.

Only one-third of those surveyed in July expressed satisfaction with the scheme, with poisoning cases being a significant reason for dissatisfaction, according to Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting.