Police Assist in Evacuating Hundreds of Students Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal Program in Sidoarjo
Hundreds of students at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic boarding school (Ponpes) in Putat, Sidoarjo, East Java, experienced symptoms of poisoning after consuming menus from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The police have intervened to assist with the evacuation and handling process.
According to reports on Thursday (3/9/2026), personnel from the East Java Regional Police, Sidoarjo City Police, and local sub-district police stations were deployed to the boarding school and several hospitals where the students are receiving treatment. Officers also provided security and escorts for ambulances transporting students to hospitals, while managing traffic to ensure the evacuation process proceeded smoothly so that victims could receive immediate medical attention.
At the Manbaul Hikam boarding school, the East Java Regional Police Medical Team (Dokkes) and Sidoarjo City Police also provided initial medical treatment. The school’s mosque was utilised as a temporary location for the examination and handling of students experiencing health symptoms.
Sidoarjo City Police Chief, Commissioner Christian Tobing, expressed his concern regarding the incident. In addition to the students at Manbaul Hikam, several students from other schools were also reported to have experienced similar symptoms after consuming MBG meals provided by SPPG Kalitengah, in the Tanggulangin District.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident experienced by the students. We hope their health conditions improve quickly and they return to health,” said Christian Tobing.
Christian stated that the Sidoarjo City Police deployed personnel from various functions, including the medical team. This measure was taken to assist the evacuation process and provide support in handling the victims.
“We have deployed personnel from various functions to assist in the evacuation and handling of the students. This is a form of humanitarian concern from the police force,” he added.