Jakarta. Hundreds of schoolchildren across Indonesia have fallen ill after consuming meals from the government’s Rp 240 trillion ($13.6 billion) Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, prompting authorities to suspend food distribution from several kitchens and strengthen safety controls.

The largest reported case was in Sidoarjo, East Java, where at least 567 students and Islamic boarding school students received medical treatment between Tuesday and Thursday.

BGN head Sudaryono said an investigation found serious violations at the SPPG Kalitengah kitchen, including incorrect food labeling and delays in delivery.

“The food was cooked at 5 a.m. and should have been consumed before 9 a.m. But it was delivered after 11 a.m. and consumed after noon,” Sudaryono said Thursday.

He said the agency would take strict action against kitchen operators that violate safety procedures, including possible criminal charges.

The Sidoarjo incident was followed by several other suspected cases. In Agam, West Sumatra, 276 students and teachers reported headaches, stomach pain, nausea, and fever after consuming MBG meals on Monday. The government temporarily halted operations at the SPPG Pasia Laweh kitchen while food samples are being tested.

“We immediately went to the field to ensure that all beneficiaries who reported symptoms received proper medical treatment,” Agam Deputy Regent Muhammad Iqbal said Thursday.

In Rembang, Central Java, 777 students and teachers at SMAN 1 Lasem reported diarrhea and vomiting after consuming MBG meals.

Another 70 students at SMPN 1 Kabuh in Jombang, East Java, were treated for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while 49 students and teachers in Nganjuk, East Java, also received medical treatment.

In Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, around 152 students from two junior high schools were taken to three hospitals with similar symptoms.

Authorities have yet to establish a common cause for the incidents. Food samples from several locations are being tested by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said the agency had received an additional Rp 509 billion to strengthen food safety oversight of the MBG program.

“We will use the additional budget to strengthen prevention, particularly to prevent outbreaks and food poisoning,” Taruna said Wednesday.

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi also called for problematic MBG kitchens to be closed until they are inspected.

“The kitchen must be closed and inspected to find where the problem is,” Mahyeldi said Thursday. “This should not happen.”

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