Dede Leni Mardianti, Jakarta – Cases of food poisoning suspected to be caused by consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) continue to occur. Since the program started on January 6, 2025, thousands of students have been reported to have suffered food poisoning symptoms after consuming meals from President Prabowo Subianto's flagship program.
Although the government through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) claims to have made improvements, training, and strict selection of food providers, various cases of mass poisoning have reoccurred. The latest, dozens of students from SMP Negeri 8 Kota Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, were suddenly taken to the Emergency Room (IGD) of RSUD SK Lerik on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025. The students who complained of stomach aches were suspected of food poisoning after consuming MBG distributed on July 21.
Prior to this, similar cases also occurred in Bogor, West Java, Bombana, East Sumba, and Sukoharjo, Central Java. Tempo has summarized a series of mass poisoning incidents since January 2025 caused by the free nutritious food program. Here's the list:
1. Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
A total of 140 students from SMPN 8 Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, were suspected of poisoning when consuming free nutritious food. Those who experienced health problems such as diarrhea and vomiting were treated at three nearby hospitals, including RSUD SK Lerik, RSU Mamami, and RS Siloam on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025.
The duty teacher at SMP 8 Kupang, Brigina, confirmed that the initial symptoms began to appear during the morning teaching and learning process. Many students from grades VII to IX complained of nausea, vomiting, and frequent trips to the bathroom.
They were initially treated at the School Health Unit (UKS). However, due to the large number affected, the school was forced to refer the students to the hospital. "Initially they were treated at UKS, but because the number was too large, we took them to RSUD SK Lerik for the first batch, and the rest were taken to other hospitals such as RS Siloam," explained Brigina.
Brigina also revealed that a number of students had complained of discomfort since the previous night. Symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea began to be felt after lunch from MBG, consisting of beef rendang, long beans and carrot mixed vegetable, tofu, and bananas. "From home, they had already complained, going back and forth to the bathroom all night. In the morning, they still went to school, but at school, their condition worsened, they cried and screamed in pain," she added.
2. Sukoharjo, Central Java
The first food poisoning incident from the MBG program occurred on January 16, 2025, or exactly 10 days after the program started. This incident occurred in Sukoharjo, Central Java. In that event, at least ten students from SDN Dukuh 03 suffered from stomachaches and nausea. The case could be immediately handled by the local Community Health Center (Puskesmas).
The National Nutrition Agency found that most of the cases originated from the newly formed Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) and lacked experience in managing large kitchens. Lack of hygiene, such as not using clean eating utensils or not washing hands before eating, also exacerbated the situation.
3. East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
On February 18, 2025, a food poisoning case also occurred in East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, involving 29 students from SD Katolik Andaluri. The students experienced mild poisoning symptoms after consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Food Program (MBG).
They were immediately taken to the nearest health facility to receive medical treatment. This incident adds to the long list of poisoning incidents that have occurred in various regions of Indonesia due to consumption of meals from the program.
4. Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi
On April 23, 2025, in Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, a number of students at SDN 33 Kasipute experienced nausea and vomiting after smelling an unpleasant odor from MBG food packages. Examination results showed that 53 out of 1,026 food boxes distributed did not meet the requirements for consumption.
5. Cianjur, West Java
On April 21, 2025, a total of 78 students from MAN 1 and SMP PGRI 1 Cianjur experienced poisoning from MBG. Overall, there were 176 people in this area exposed to poisoning symptoms due to meals from the MBG program, which were also served at a community event. The local government designated this incident as an Extraordinary Incident (KLB).
6. Bogor, West Java
A major poisoning case also occurred in Bogor City, West Java. On Sunday, May 11, 2025. A total of 210 students from kindergarten to junior high school experienced poisoning symptoms after consuming MBG meals. Twenty-two students were hospitalized, while dozens received outpatient treatment, and the rest experienced mild symptoms.
The local government together with the BGN revealed laboratory results to identify the exact source of the incident. As a result, the MBG menu at that time contained Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella.
– Yohanes Seo, Rachel Caroline, and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.