512 Students Suspected of Food Poisoning from Free Nutritious Meal Programme in Sidoarjo; National Nutrition Agency Responds

Hundreds of students at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School in Tanggul Angin, Sidoarjo, are suspected of suffering food poisoning after consuming the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) stated that the number of affected students has reached 512.

“Based on the data we received from colleagues conducting field investigations, a total of 512 people were exposed or affected,” said Ketut Sumedana, Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision at the BGN, in a statement on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

Currently, 80 students remain under hospital care, while 312 others have been discharged and declared recovered. Additionally, 120 individuals are still undergoing medical observation.

Ketut noted that the BGN has launched an investigation in collaboration with the relevant Health Office. Furthermore, the Talang Angin Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) has been placed under a heavy suspension.

“First, we are conducting an investigation with the relevant Health Office, and we will later announce the cause of the poisoning,” he said.

“We have also imposed a heavy suspension for 30 days on the Sidoarjo Talang Angin SPPG,” he added.

Ketut stated that the Head of the Talang Angin SPPG has also been dismissed. The agency is currently focusing its efforts on the recovery of the students still receiving treatment in hospitals.

“We have also proposed the dismissal and replacement of the SPPG head. Our focus remains on ensuring the health of our children in the various hospitals,” he remarked.

Previously reported, students were treated across eight hospitals in Sidoarjo. According to the latest medical handling data, out of the total 500 students treated, 320 patients have been discharged, 65 patients are currently hospitalised, and the remaining 115 patients are under observation.