Sidoarjo

Sidoarjo is a regency in East Java, Indonesia. It recently gained attention due to a widespread suspected food poisoning incident linked to the Indonesian government's free school meals program. In early September 2026, nearly 2,000 students and teachers across various locations, including Sidoarjo, fell ill after consuming meals provided through this initiative. The affected individuals received medical treatment in hospitals within Sidoarjo. This event highlights a significant public health concern related to the safety and quality of food distributed under the national school feeding scheme, which is a substantial government program. The incident underscores the importance of stringent food safety regulations and oversight for large-scale public health initiatives aimed at improving student welfare and nutrition.