566 Students in Sidoarjo Poisoned, National Police Forensic Lab Examines MBG Food Samples

The Indonesian National Police Forensic Laboratory (Labfor) is conducting an investigation into an alleged food poisoning case involving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, which affected hundreds of students in Sidoarjo, East Java.

East Java Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Kombes Jules Abraham Abast, stated that the Forensic Lab has intervened to examine food samples suspected of triggering the poisoning. “It is true; based on information, the National Police Forensic Laboratory team has been deployed to conduct an examination regarding the suspected food poisoning incident that occurred in Sidoarjo on 1 September 2026,” Jules said during confirmation on Wednesday (2/9).

He explained that the examination by the Forensic Lab aims to scientifically uncover the cause of the mass poisoning. “The Labfor examination is part of the process to determine the cause of the incident scientifically,” he added.

Jules noted that regarding the results, the authorities are still awaiting the official findings from the Forensic Lab examination, alongside updates on the case handling by local police. “Regarding the results, we are certainly waiting for the Labfor examination process and further developments in the handling by the Sidoarjo City Police,” he said.

Previously, hundreds of students in Kalitengah Village, Tanggulangin District, Sidoarjo Regency, were suspected of suffering from poisoning after consuming Free Nutritious Meals on Tuesday (1/9). At least 566 students from 19 different educational institutions in Tanggulangin experienced poisoning, with 88 of them still undergoing intensive treatment in hospital.