Indonesian president defends free meals programme after 6,000 suffer food poisoning

Reuters:

JAKARTA, Sept 29 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday defended his ambitious plan to provide free meals for children after some 6,000 cases of food poisoning, saying the percentage of those affected was small and the programme was still finding its footing.

The food poisonings have sparked a public outcry with TV channels broadcasting images of children being treated on hospital beds. Local non-profit organisations have called for the suspension of the programme.

The multibillion dollar initiative, which also offers free meals for pregnant women, has rapidly expanded since its launch in January with around 30 million recipients to date. It aims to reach 83 million by the year’s end.

“Yes, there were shortcomings, food poisoning. We counted all the meals served, the deviation, the deficiency, or error represents 0.00017%,” Prabowo said in a speech at a political party event.

There have been some 70 separate incidents. Two-thirds of 6,000 people affected have been in incidents since August.

Prabowo said the programme, which aims to prevent childhood stunting, has improved nutrition for many children, created jobs as well as opportunities for local farmers and fishermen to sell produce.