Central Java sets up hotlines in wake of poisoning from free meal scheme

Students also report finding shards of glass, maggots and caterpillars in their food

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The Central Java administration has launched dedicated hotlines to monitor and respond to cases linked to the government's free nutritious meal programme, following a series of food poisoning outbreaks that have affected more than 2,700 students recently.

The main hotline, 0811-2622-000, will be operated by the Central Java Health Agency. In addition, health agencies in all 35 regencies across the Indonesian province are setting up their own dedicated hotlines to handle reports at the local level.

Central Java Health Agency head Yunita Dyah Suminar said the hotline would not be limited to reporting food poisoning cases, but would also accommodate other complaints related to the free meal programme, such as substandard food or inadequate menus.

“The public can report issues, ask questions or offer suggestions to help improve the programme. We encourage parents and teachers to stay engaged and communicate openly,” she said, adding that the hotlines reflected the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the free meal programme succeeds.

Ms Yunita emphasised that every report received by the Central Java Health Agency would be thoroughly investigated, including inspections of the kitchens and food providers involved.