664 Poisoned in Indonesia’s Free Meal Program, 77 Hospitalized

sajadi Editor : Widi - Thursday, 3 September 2026 - 20:49 WIB

Thursday, 3 September 2026 - 20:49 WIB

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Jakarta, MINA – A mass food poisoning incident linked to Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal program (Makan Bergizi Gratis, or MBG) has affected at least 664 people in Sidoarjo, East Java, with 77 still hospitalized, local health authorities reported Thursday.

The poisoning occurred on Tuesday after students and Islamic boarding school (pesantren) residents consumed meals supplied by the Kalitengah Nutrition Fulfillment Unit (SPPG). Victims included students from Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School and 19 other schools in Tanggulangin District. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea.

According to Sidoarjo Health Office Head Dr. Lakhsmie Herawati Yuwantina, 581 victims have been discharged, while six remain under observation. All victims are in stable condition. The government has activated a health crisis team, deploying medical staff to both hospitals and field locations.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa attributed the incident to possible delays in food delivery and serving.

She noted that food from the SPPG kitchen was cooked at 5:00 AM and delivered to most schools by 7:00 AM for consumption at 10:00 AM—within a safe five-hour window.

However, at Manbaul Hikam, delivery was delayed until 11:00 AM and consumption only occurred between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. The extended time at room temperature may have allowed bacterial growth or toxin formation. The exact cause is still under laboratory investigation.

The SPPG Kalitengah has been suspended, and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has imposed sanctions. The SPPG head has publicly apologized. Despite the scale of the incident, local authorities have not declared it an extraordinary event (KLB), citing budget efficiency and handling effectiveness. All medical costs are covered by the BGN.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)