51 People Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meals, Jurit Baru Nutrition Service Unit in East Lombok Temporarily Closed

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted operations at the Jurit Baru Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) after dozens of students suffered suspected food poisoning from free nutritious meals (MBG) in Jurit Village, Pringgasela Subdistrict, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). As of today, Sunday (26/4/2026), the number of suspected MBG poisoning cases has reached 51 people.

The temporary suspension of SPPG operations followed the issuance of a letter by BGN on Saturday, 25 April 2026, Number 1928/D.TWS/04/2026, regarding the temporary halt of operations at SPPG Jurit Baru. The letter explains that this decision came after a report from the NTB Provincial Regional Coordinator regarding the digestive disturbances that occurred on Friday (24/4).

In addition to the operational suspension, the letter recommends a temporary halt to the distribution of government assistance funds to the relevant SPPG during the investigation period. Furthermore, the SPPG is required to promptly complete all payments using virtual accounts (VA) within 1x24 hours for the operational period before the letter was issued.

The NTB Regional Coordinator (Korwil) of BGN, Eko Prasetyo, explained that the temporary closure of SPPG operations will last for an indefinite period. This suspension is for evaluation purposes and to await laboratory results from samples of the MBG menu served to students.

“For an indefinite period, until we receive the lab results, evaluation, and any necessary improvements,” Eko clarified when confirmed by detikBali via WhatsApp message on Sunday.

The number of suspected MBG poisoning victims continues to rise, with a total of 51 people, comprising one pregnant woman and 50 students from different schools. They complained of nausea and stomach pain.

“Up to yesterday morning, 15 students arrived with the same complaints as the previous patients,” said Suhamdi, Head of Pengadangan Health Centre.

Of the 51 people, seven received intensive treatment with inpatient care, including the pregnant woman. However, five have been allowed to go home, and two others are still under treatment.

Suhamdi detailed that of the 51 people, seven patients initially received intensive care. However, some of them have been discharged as their conditions have improved.

“We received 51 food poisoning cases, while from the seven we treated yesterday, we have discharged five, leaving two,” Suhamdi stated.