Hundreds fall ill after free school meals in Central Java school

Around 777 students and teachers at a high school in Lasem, Rembang, Central Java became ill after consuming meals provided through the government’s Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme on Wednesday, officials said, and local authorities are investigating possible contamination.

School headteacher Juhartutik reported that 752 students and 25 teachers experienced diarrhoea and other symptoms after the lunchtime meal, forcing the school to send nearly 1,200 pupils and 95 staff members home while several were taken to hospital.

Local health officials said the incident followed a separate suspected outbreak in Sidoarjo, East Java, where 730 people fell ill after MBG meals at an Islamic boarding school, and that hundreds more reports have emerged this week from other regions including Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi.

The Lasem food distribution unit visited the school and the unit head, Achmad Sholeh Syarifudin, apologised and said they would take responsibility for recovery and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of operations. The school said the government would cover medical costs.

Parents and teachers described poorly prepared food at some sites, citing slimy or undercooked chicken and a fishy odour, and local authorities are testing food samples to identify the cause.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The incidents are presented as linked to the MBG free school meals programme with multiple suspected outbreaks across provinces. Official statements in the report note symptom counts, institutional responses, and ongoing local investigations with food testing. Distribution officials apologised and pledged evaluations, while authorities indicated medical costs would be covered.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• 777 students and teachers fell ill at a high school in Lasem, Rembang, Central Java after MBG meals.
• Earlier incidents include 730 people sick in Sidoarjo and further reports from Tana Toraja.
• Local authorities are testing food samples; distribution unit apologised and the government will cover medical costs.