Indonesia Rights Body Urges Police Probe Into Mass School Meal Poisoning

Indonesia's national human rights commission, Komnas HAM, has called on the police to investigate a series of food poisoning outbreaks linked to the government's flagship free school meal programme. The incidents this week have sickened around 2,000 students and teachers across at least two major islands.

In a statement issued on Friday, Komnas HAM stressed that access to safe food is a fundamental right. It warned that without strict sanitation standards, the state's nutrition initiative would lose its moral legitimacy. The commission also urged the National Nutrition Agency, which oversees the programme, to suspend the kitchens believed to be responsible for the outbreaks.

The National Police have not yet responded to the request for comment. The agency had scheduled a press conference for Friday but postponed it without giving a reason or new time.

Local media reported that 170 students and teachers in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, fell ill on Thursday. This follows more than 1,700 cases in Central Java, East Java, and West Sumatra. Improper food storage and late delivery of cooked meals are often cited as causes.

Agency head Sudaryono said on Thursday that the cases would be handled seriously. According to lawmaker Charles Honoris, health department data shows that 50,000 individuals have been affected by food poisoning as of September 1. A July survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting found only one-third of Indonesians satisfied with the programme, with poisoning cases a major reason.