Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – A total of 121 students from SMK Negeri 1 Cihampelas, West Bandung Regency, reportedly suffered food poisoning after consuming meals provided under the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
One student, identified by the initials BR, was later reported dead, allegedly after eating the school meal.
The West Bandung Health Office, however, stated that BR's death was not directly caused by the MBG meal.
According to the agency's investigation, there was a gap of more than two days between the student's consumption of the meal and the onset of symptoms.
Chronology of events
Based on the official chronology issued by the West Bandung Health Department (document reference 400.7.7.1/X.1.1/P2P), BR ate two portions of the MBG meal on September 24 – his own serving and another from a friend who declined to eat. After returning home, BR complained of mild dizziness.
On Monday, September 29, BR returned to school as usual but later went home early after experiencing a headache. At home, he was given over-the-counter medication before resting.
The following day, September 30 at around 03:00 AM, BR developed nausea, vomiting five times, and shortness of breath. He was given warm water and went back to sleep.
Later that day, at 01:00 PM, BR's sibling discovered him having seizures, foaming at the mouth, and showing facial swelling.
BR was rushed to a local midwife, who measured his blood pressure at 60/50. Observing his pale complexion, seizures, and difficulty breathing, the midwife requested an ambulance.
BR was transported to Cililin Regional General Hospital with oxygen support but was declared dead shortly after arrival. The report concluded that BR died en route to the hospital.
Official responses
Tempo is still seeking further comments from the West Bandung Health Office and the victim's family. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (), Dadan Hindayana, said he had not received information on the case.
"I haven't heard about it," Dadan told reporters after attending a meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network urged authorities not to dismiss or obscure the case, especially in light of the recent wave of MBG-related poisoning incidents nationwide.
"This case must be thoroughly, transparently, and independently investigated, even if the local health department claims the death was unrelated to MBG," said Ubaid Matraji, the network's national coordinator.
"A proper investigation is vital to prevent the public from being misled by narratives that downplay the facts."