West Bandung, Olemah.com – A suspected mass food poisoning case linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has once again shocked Indonesia. In West Bandung Regency, West Java, more than 1,000 students reportedly developed symptoms after consuming MBG meals. Local authorities have officially declared the incident an Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB).
Number of Victims Reaches 1,171 Students
Head of Cipongkor Community Health Center, Yuyun Sarihotima, confirmed that the number of victims treated between Monday and Wednesday (Sept 22–24) reached 1,171 students, a sharp increase from the initial reports of only a few hundred.
“Most victims complained of stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are unusual since food poisoning typically causes diarrhea, which was not observed in this case,” Yuyun explained at the Cipongkor MBG Food Poisoning Emergency Post.
Some students who were discharged earlier returned the following day as their health conditions worsened. Victims were treated at the emergency post, local community health centers, and Cililin Regional Hospital.
Suspected Kitchen Negligence by SPPG
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, revealed that preliminary findings point to negligence by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).
“The food was cooked too early, resulting in prolonged storage before distribution,” Dadan said after visiting the site on Wednesday (Sept 24).
Following the incident, SPPG operations in Cipongkor have been suspended. A total of 85 MBG kitchens across West Bandung Regency are now under evaluation.
West Bandung Regency Declares Extraordinary Occurrence
West Bandung Regent, Jeje Ritchie Ismail, confirmed that the local government acted swiftly by declaring the incident an Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB).
“We declared KLB status to ensure a faster, comprehensive, and coordinated response,” he said.
In addition to Cipongkor, another mass poisoning case was reported in Cihampelas District, affecting more than 60 additional victims. Health authorities have collected vomit samples and leftover MBG meals for further laboratory analysis.
Criticism of the MBG Program
Parents of the victims expressed disappointment, demanding the MBG program be suspended temporarily. Many suggested that assistance be provided in cash so families could prepare their own meals.
The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) reported that, nationwide, MBG-related food poisoning cases from January to September 21, 2025, had already affected 6,452 children, excluding the latest case in West Bandung.
“The government should declare the MBG program a national extraordinary incident and conduct a thorough evaluation,” said JPPI National Coordinator, Ubaid Matraji.
Similar Incidents in Other Regions
Other MBG-related poisoning cases have also been reported:
Mamuju, West Sulawesi: Dozens of students fell ill after consuming expired sauce.
Ketapang, West Kalimantan: 25 students and teachers were poisoned after eating fried shark from the MBG menu. West Kalimantan MBG Regional Head, Agus Kurniawi, admitted it was a serious negligence case.
Central Government to Continue Program
Despite mounting criticism, the central government insists the MBG program will continue. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhaimin Iskandar, said each incident will serve as a lesson for improvement.
“There are no plans to stop the program. But of course, every case must be used as material for correction,” said Cak Imin on Wednesday (Sept 24).
Meanwhile, the 2026 State Budget has already allocated Rp355 trillion for the MBG program, making it one of the top national priorities under the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
Source : BBC News Indonesia
Editor : Olemah Editorial Team
Website : www.olemah.com
Published : September 25, 2025
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