Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said 512 people were affected by suspected food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program served by the Talang Angin Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Kalitengah, Sidoarjo, East Java. Of those, 80 people remain hospitalized.
BGN Deputy for Monitoring and Oversight Ketut Sumedana said 312 of the 512 affected people had been discharged after recovering, while another 120 remain under observation.
"Of the total 512 people exposed or affected, around 80 are still receiving treatment, while 312 have been discharged from hospitals after being declared recovered. Meanwhile, 120 others are still under observation," Ketut said in an official statement on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
BGN investigates cause of food poisoning
Ketut said BGN has been in close communication 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).
BGN is also conducting an investigation with the Sidoarjo Health Agency to determine what caused the suspected food poisoning. Ketut said the findings would be announced once the investigation is complete.
As a follow-up measure, BGN imposed a 30-day suspension on the Talang Angin SPPG, classifying it as a serious sanction.
"We have also imposed a serious 30-day suspension on the Talang Angin SPPG in Kalitengah, Sidoarjo," Ketut said.
BGN has also proposed removing the head of the Talang Angin SPPG and replacing the management with a new team.
Health of victims prioritized
Ketut said BGN is currently prioritizing the treatment and recovery of victims who remain hospitalized.
"For now, our focus is on ensuring the safety and health of our children who are being treated at several hospitals. This is our priority," he said.
Earlier, Talang Angin SPPG head Rafli Ridho apologized for the incident. He said the food had been prepared according to the usual process.
"We started cooking at midnight and delivered the food at 11 a.m. It was still within the safe limit because it was consumed within four hours of delivery," Rafli said.
He also said the meals had undergone checks before being served, including tasting by representatives from the school and Islamic boarding school.
The students and boarding school residents ate the MBG meals at around noon on Tuesday, September 1. They reportedly began experiencing symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea at around 6 p.m.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2118804/bgn-512-students-hit-by-suspected-mbg-food-poisoning-in-east-jav