180 Santri in Demak Suspected of MBG Poisoning, 70 Still Under Treatment
The number of students receiving treatment due to suspected poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) in Pilangwetan Village, Kebonagung Subdistrict, Demak Regency, Central Java, has increased to 70 individuals. Meanwhile, 106 students are undergoing outpatient care. The total number of affected victims is around 180 students, originating from several boarding schools (ponpes) in Pilangwetan Village.
Secretary of the Central Java Provincial MBG Acceleration Team, Hanung Triyono, revealed that 70 students are being treated at five hospitals and one community health centre. The hospitals treating them are RS Getas Pandawa, RS PKU Gubug, RS Sultan Fattah, RS Sunan Kalijaga, and RSI NU.
Hanung explained that the MBG for the affected boarding schools was supplied by SPPG Khidmatul Ummah Madani. The students suspected of poisoning experienced various symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
According to Hanung, the students suspected of poisoning consumed the MBG on Saturday (18 April 2026). The MBG was distributed to the ponpes and only consumed from 13:30 WIB until the afternoon. The menu consisted of fried rice, fried egg, cucumber and carrot pickle, fried tofu, milk, and oranges.
Hanung stated that the initial suspected cause of the students experiencing poisoning symptoms was the delay in consumption of the MBG. Additionally, there was an indication of mixing the fried rice with the pickle broth. “No initial indications of off smells or tastes were found during distribution,” Hanung said in his statement on Monday (20 April 2026).
According to information from the Demak Health Office, the students experienced poisoning symptoms on Sunday morning (19 April 2026). “SPPG has ceased operations as of 19 April 2026,” Hanung revealed.
Hanung mentioned that an inspection of SPPG Khidmatul Ummah Madani has also been conducted. “The kitchen layout is generally compliant, but there are several improvements needed, namely the absence of a grease trap for washing raw materials and utensils, non-compliant epoxy, two tables used as resting areas, limited wastewater treatment, and slightly murky water. The SPPG already holds a Health Certificate,” he said.
Therefore, Hanung explained that the interim conclusion is that the suspected poisoning case affecting around 180 students in Pilangwetan Village resulted from post-production factors. “There is a need to increase supervision of distribution and education for beneficiaries,” he stated.
Currently, SPPG Khidmatul Ummah Madani has been cordoned off by police tape. “Production has been temporarily halted pending laboratory test results,” Hanung added.