Head of Nutrition Service Unit Faces Dismissal Following Mass Food Poisoning of 566 Students

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has imposed a heavy 30-day suspension on the Talang Angin Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Sidoarjo, East Java, following a suspected mass poisoning incident affecting hundreds of students at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School.

As a result of the incident involving 566 students, the BGN has proposed the dismissal and replacement of the Head of the Kalitengah SPPG, Rafli Ridho. Ketut Sudena, the BGN Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision, confirmed the proposal on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

However, Sudena noted that the agency’s immediate priority remains the medical treatment of the victims, particularly those currently hospitalised. “At this time, we will focus on ensuring the health of our children in several hospitals,” Sudena stated.

Parliament’s Commission X has also raised concerns regarding the incident. Lalu Hadrian, Vice Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), called for an urgent evaluation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. While supporting the programme’s objectives, he emphasised that the management of the nutrition service units must be scrutinised to prevent any further victims.

“We suggest that the governance of this free nutritious meal programme continues to be improved. We must ensure that not even a single student becomes a victim of poor management or improper processes,” Hadrian said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta.

In response to the crisis, the Head of the Kalitengah SPPG, Rafli Ridho, issued an apology. He stated that the food preparation process typically begins at midnight, with deliveries made around 11:00 AM. He also noted that reports of poisoning extended beyond the boarding school, with five students from SDN Kalitengah 1 and 2 also reporting symptoms.

The Head of the Sidoarjo District Health Office, Dr Lakhsmie Herawati Yuwantina, confirmed that the total number of victims has risen to 566, including 35 individuals who were evacuated to hospitals, such as RSUD and RS Delta Surya, on the day of the report.