Jakarta, July 25 -- Indonesia's National Agency of Food and Drug Control (BPOM) is investigating a suspected food poisoning incident in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, where at least 140 students reportedly fell ill after consuming free meals.

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said on Friday in Jakarta that the meals were prepared by a kitchen - officially designated as a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) - that serves 10 schools in the area.

"Our laboratory team in Kupang is examining all 10 schools connected to the program to determine the exact cause. The results will be announced once the investigation is complete," he said.

Ikrar emphasized that the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program requires strict oversight, adding that t...