JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Nearly 2,000 people [most of them children] reportedly developed symptoms of suspected food poisoning. This happened after eating meals distributed through the Free Meals (MBG) program between September 1 and 3, 2026.

A BBC News Indonesia research infographic placed the combined number at 1,961 as of 11 a.m. on September 4. The reports came from Sidoarjo in East Java, Rembang in Central Java, Agam in West Sumatra, Bener Meriah in Aceh and Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi.

The infographic provided the following regional breakdown:

Authorities continued to investigate whether the MBG meals caused every reported illness. The figures represent people who developed suspected symptoms, not laboratory-confirmed food poisoning cases.

The national total should also be treated as a time-stamped estimate. An accompanying BBC News Indonesia report cited 730 patients in Sidoarjo, while the infographic used 740.

The Sidoarjo Health Office subsequently increased the local count to 748 patients on Friday morning. Of those, 728 had returned home and some moved to outpatient treatment, while 20 remained hospitalized.

The Sidoarjo incident affected students and Islamic boarding school pupils who received services from the Kalitengah Nutrition Fulfillment Service (SPPG). Health officials collected food and patient samples for laboratory testing.

In Rembang, 752 students and 25 teachers at SMAN 1 Lasem reported symptoms including diarrhea and nausea after eating an MBG meal on September 2. School officials contacted health workers after large numbers of students required treatment the following morning.

Agam authorities temporarily stopped food distribution from the Pasia Laweh SPPG after 276 students and teachers reported symptoms.

In Bener Meriah, 15 primary school pupils and a school principal received treatment at Lampahan community health center (Puskesmas). They sought assistance after experiencing dizziness, nausea and breathing discomfort.

Tana Toraja officials also ordered laboratory testing after students from SMPN 1 and SMPN 2 Makale became ill. Regent Zadrak Tombeg said authorities had not determined the cause.

“We have not yet confirmed the cause of the poisoning. The preliminary suspicion concerns the MBG meals, so we have taken samples and will send them to Makassar for laboratory testing,” Zadrak said, according to Toraja Channel.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) imposed a 30-day suspension on the Kalitengah SPPG in Sidoarjo and removed its head.

BGN said investigators had not established the cause of the incident when it announced the measures on September 2. BGN and the local health office continued their joint investigation.

“If investigators identify negligence and a criminal element, I am sorry, but we cannot help,” BGN head Sudaryono said on September 2.

BGN later said its internal evaluation linked 80–90 percent of previous food safety incidents to failures to follow standard operating procedures. However, that assessment does not establish criminal responsibility in the latest cases.

No law enforcement agency had publicly named a suspect in connection with the five incidents when this article was prepared.

Laboratory findings and independent investigations remain necessary to determine the cause of each outbreak. In addition, they are needed to establish whether any party violated food safety.