BGN: 512 Students Hit by Suspected MBG Food Poisoning in East Java
BGN is probing suspected MBG food poisoning at several schools in East Java and has suspended the SPPG for 30 days.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) of Indonesia reported that 512 individuals were affected by suspected food poisoning linked to a Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program distributed by the Talang Angin Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Kalitengah, Sidoarjo, East Java. Among the affected, 80 people are still hospitalized, while 312 have been discharged and are considered recovered.
An additional 120 individuals are still under observation by medical professionals. The situation came to light on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, according to an official statement from Ketut Sumedana, Deputy for Monitoring and Oversight at BGN.
Ketut revealed that BGN has been working closely with local government officials and the management of Mamba ul Hikam Islamic boarding school, as well as Mamba ul Hikam Madrasah Aliyah (MA) and Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs). The investigation into the cause of the suspected food poisoning is ongoing, with the results expected soon. As a response to the incident, BGN has imposed a 30-day suspension on the Talang Angin SPPG, designating it as a serious sanction.
Furthermore, BGN has proposed the removal of the head of the Talang Angin SPPG and the replacement of the management with a new team to prevent future occurrences.
The health and well-being of the victims are currently the top priority for BGN. Medical professionals are focusing on the treatment and recovery of those still hospitalized. For the time being, ensuring the safety and health of the children being treated at several hospitals remains the primary concern. This priority has been echoed by Rafli Ridho, the head of the Talang Angin SPPG, who apologized for the incident.
He stated that the food had been prepared according to the usual process, starting at midnight and delivered at 11 a.m. The meals were consumed within four hours of delivery, which is considered a safe time frame. Additionally, the meals underwent checks before being served, including tasting by representatives from the school and Islamic boarding school.
The students and boarding school residents consumed the MBG meals around noon on Tuesday, September 1. Unfortunately, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea began appearing around 6 p.m.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
