BGN Reveals Cause of 72 Duren Sawit Students' Poisoning: Food Not Fresh

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has revealed the cause of the food poisoning incident affecting 72 students in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, on Thursday (2/4/2026).

Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that the preliminary suspicion regarding the incident is related to food that was not consumed in a fresh condition.

“The preliminary suspicion of the cause of the incident is related to food that was consumed not in a fresh condition,” said Nanik, in his statement quoted on Sunday (5/4/2026).

The menu served during the incident included spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, scrambled egg tofu, mixed vegetables, and strawberries.

BGN stated that this incident will serve as material for evaluation to tighten supervision over food provider partners. Additionally, BGN assures that it will cover all treatment costs for the victims and temporarily halt operations at the related kitchen.

“We convey our apologies for this incident. We will also take responsibility for all hospital treatment costs,” said Nanik.

This includes the lack of appropriate layout and Wastewater Treatment Installation (IPAL). Therefore, operations at that kitchen have been temporarily suspended without a time limit.

“Our SPPG Pondok Kelapa has been suspended indefinitely because the kitchen conditions, including layout and IPAL, still do not meet standards,” said Nanik.

As of Saturday (4/4/2026), 72 students were still undergoing treatment at three hospitals, while some others had received initial treatment and were allowed to go home.