TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued an apology following a food poisoning outbreak linked to the free nutritious meal (MBG) program in Pondok Kelapa, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang stated that the government will cover all medical expenses for the victims.
Additionally, Nanik announced that BGN will immediately suspend operations at the kitchen involved in the incident. "We express our apologies for this occurrence. BGN will also take responsibility for all hospital medical costs," she said in a written statement on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Nanik noted that BGN has taken these steps as a matter of accountability. The service unit (SPPG) in Pondok Kelapa has been temporarily closed, she added.
A BGN investigation revealed that the unit failed to meet established operational standards. "We have suspended it indefinitely because the kitchen conditions, including the layout, do not comply with our requirements," she stated.
The poisoning incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026. On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2, 2024, the unit initially received reports from teachers that 36 students experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea after eating the MBG menu.
Four schools were affected: SMAN 91, SDN Pondok Kelapa 01, SDN Pondok Kelapa 09, and SDN Pondok Kelapa 07. Victims are currently receiving treatment at the Duren Sawit Regional Special Hospital, RSKD Pondok Kopi, and Harum Hospital.
The meal served at the time consisted of spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, scrambled egg tofu, mixed vegetables, and strawberries. The total number of victims recorded so far is 60 people. Nanik confirmed that all victims have received medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.
Preliminary suspicions suggest the poisoning was caused by food that was not consumed while fresh. According to Nanik, too long an interval between cooking and consumption likely compromised food quality and triggered health issues.
BGN maintains that it will tighten supervision to prevent a recurrence and ensure food safety within the MBG program moving forward.
Read: Jakarta: 72 Students Poisoned by Free Meals in Duren Sawit
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