252 Students in East Jakarta Suspected of MBG Food Poisoning, Experiencing Symptoms After Eating Tofu Wonton

The Jakarta Health Department (Dinkes DKI) has recorded 252 students experiencing symptoms of suspected food poisoning after consuming the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu in the Pulogebang area, East Jakarta. Preliminary suspicions indicate the source of the problem stems from the tofu wonton menu, which reportedly had a sour taste.

Jakarta Health Department Head Ani Ruspitawati stated that her agency, along with the East Jakarta Health Sub-Department, has conducted guidance and supervision of the Pulogebang Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG).

“The Health Department through the East Jakarta Health Sub-Department has carried out guidance and supervision of the Pulogebang SPPG. The forms of guidance and supervision include environmental health inspections, training for food handlers, and the issuance of Hygiene Sanitation Fitness Certificates (SLHS),” said Ani when contacted on Saturday (9/5/2026).

Dinkes DKI, together with the Education Department, has compiled reports from parents of students who experienced symptoms last Friday. Of the total 252 reports, 188 students accessed health facilities, and 26 students are still receiving treatment as of today.

“188 accessed health facilities, and 26 are being treated up to today,” she said.

Nevertheless, Ani emphasised that the symptoms experienced by the students vary, with many classified as mild. Regarding the suspected food source, Ani said preliminary suspicions point to the tofu wonton menu.

“Suspected from the tofu wonton, because it tasted sour. Laboratory examination results will be out at the earliest next Tuesday,” she explained.

The students receiving treatment are scattered across several hospitals, namely Citra Harapan Bekasi Hospital with 12 patients, Ananda Hospital with 3 patients, Pondok Kopi Islamic Hospital with 2 patients, Resti Mulya Hospital with 2 patients, Firdaus Hospital with 4 patients, Sukapura Islamic Hospital with 2 patients, and Pekerja Hospital with 1 patient.

“All patients are being treated in standard inpatient wards,” she added.

On the other hand, Ani explained that the SPPG began operations on 31 March 2026. Based on regulations from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), operators are given three months to obtain a Hygiene Sanitation Fitness Certificate (SLHS).

“IKL has been conducted, and currently the SPPG is in the process of improvements and training for its food handlers,” she added.