BGN Launches Investigation in Jember After Students and Parents Fall Ill from Free Nutritious Meals

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has responded to reports that dozens of recipients of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Jember experienced diarrhoea and weakness after consuming the food. The BGN has launched an investigation into the matter. “We are addressing it immediately, we are investigating on site,” said BGN Deputy Head Trenggono to reporters after a meeting at Commission IX of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Friday (17/7/2026). Trenggono stated that the agency would take action regarding the incident. “We will take measures there later,” Trenggono said.

Dozens of MBG recipients in Jember were reported to have suffered a mass health disturbance. They suddenly complained of diarrhoea and weakness after consuming the distributed meal packages. According to information gathered, the food originated from the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) 1 Karangsono, located in Karangsono Village, Bangsalsari District. The meals were distributed to residents on Tuesday (14/7). The case became a widespread public discussion the following day, Wednesday (15/7), with several victims requiring hospitalisation due to severe weakness.

One of the affected parents, Siti Munawaroh, recounted how she became ill. She consumed food brought home by her two children, who attend SDN Karangsono and a local kindergarten. “I got the food from my children,” Siti said on Thursday (16/7). She detailed that the free meal box contained rice, scrambled tempeh, stir-fried sweet soy dish, grapes, and quail eggs. However, she had been suspicious about the condition of the eggs. “The eggs smelled bad, even though I had washed them,” she said. Shortly after finishing the meal, Siti experienced severe diarrhoea. “I don’t know, suddenly I had explosive diarrhoea,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Jember MBG Task Force, Achmad Imam Fauzi, said the report regarding the incident was received from the Bangsalsari District Coordinator (Korcam) on Wednesday evening and was immediately forwarded to him and the Jember Regent. According to Fauzi, Regent Muhammad Fawait paid special attention to the incident and instructed all relevant regional apparatus to move quickly to ensure residents’ safety. “All victims are ensured to receive the best emergency medical services at health facilities. All treatment costs are fully covered by the government,” he stressed.