Recap of Alleged Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning in West Sumatra, East Java, Central Java, and South Sulawesi Over Last 3 Days
Cases of alleged poisoning after consuming food from the Free Nutritiously Meal (MBG) programme have recurred in several regions during the beginning of September 2026. Between 1–3 September, suspected MBG poisoning occurred in East Java, Central Java, West Sumatra, and South Sulawesi. A total of thousands of students, religious students (santri), teachers, and beneficiaries experienced symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
The first case occurred on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. Hundreds of students from the Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School in Tanggulangin, as well as students from several educational institutions receiving food from SPPG Kalitengah, suffered health disturbances after eating the MBG menu.
The number of victims continued to rise during data collection. On 2 September, the Sidoarjo Health Office recorded 566 victims, with dozens still undergoing treatment. A day later, the recorded number of victims increased to approximately 730 people. Of these, 706 individuals were permitted to return home for outpatient treatment, 23 remained hospitalised, and one person was under observation.
The menu consumed included white rice, scrambled eggs, tempeh in Balinese seasoning, sautéed green beans and baby corn, and apples. The operations of SPPG Kalitengah were subsequently suspended temporarily for investigation.
The next case emerged on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. In Nganjuk Regency, East Java, dozens of students from SMAN 3 Nganjuk were reported to have experienced similar symptoms after consuming the MBG meals. Some victims received hospital treatment, while others were allowed to go home after their conditions improved.
On the same day, suspected poisoning was also reported in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. The number of victims, initially reported as 237 people, grew to approximately 334, consisting of students, teachers, and other beneficiaries. The SPPG supplying the food has been temporarily suspended, and food samples have been sent for laboratory testing.