Jakarta: More than 1,000 children in Indonesia’s West Java province have been hospitalized this week after consuming free school meals provided under the government’s national nutrition program. The latest wave of food poisoning cases has added to growing concerns over the safety and management of the multi-billion-dollar scheme.

The outbreaks were reported in four regions, including West Bandung and Sukabumi. Local health facilities, overwhelmed by the number of patients, were forced to set up temporary treatment centers in sports halls. West Bandung declared a health emergency to mobilize resources and respond more effectively to the crisis.

Since the program’s launch in January, more than 6,400 children across Indonesia have suffered food poisoning linked to the meals. Authorities say contributing factors include kitchens located far from schools, food prepared too early or even the night before, and poor storage practices that have allowed food to spoil.

In response, several kitchens suspected of being the source of contamination have been suspended. Investigations have pointed to lapses in hygiene and storage, with reports of contamination from bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

The free meal initiative is a flagship program of the government, designed to reach 83 million Indonesians with a budget of 171 trillion rupiah (about $10.2 billion) this year. The budget is expected to double next year as the program expands. However, repeated outbreaks have fueled criticism from health experts and NGOs, who are urging stricter oversight, better food handling protocols, and in some cases, a suspension of the program in high-risk areas.

Earlier this month, more than 400 children in Bengkulu province and 365 students in Central Java also fell ill from similar incidents. In August, a mass food poisoning outbreak in Sragen sickened over 360 people. Critics argue these repeated cases highlight systemic flaws in the program’s implementation rather than isolated lapses.

Despite mounting pressure, government officials insist the initiative remains essential to improving child nutrition and food security. Authorities have pledged to strengthen monitoring and food safety measures to prevent further incidents.