From 21 to 29: Students and Pregnant Woman Become Victims of MBG Food Poisoning in East Lombok
A surge in suspected free nutritious meal (MBG) poisoning cases in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has triggered panic. Within hours, the number of victims rose from 21 to 29 after consuming the school menu.
Students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) Yadinu Banok in Jurit Village, Pringgasela Subdistrict, suddenly felt nauseous and vomited shortly after eating. Even one pregnant woman became a victim and required treatment.
Nausea 15 Minutes After Eating
“Around 9 a.m. we received the MBG, after 15 minutes we started feeling nauseous and stomach pain,” said Baiq Namira Fitri, met by detikBali on Friday (24/4/2026).
Namira mentioned that the MBG menu consisted of bihun noodles, fried eggs, milk, and bananas. “The bihun noodles were mixed with vegetables too, the taste had already changed a bit,” she added.
Evacuated by Motorbike
The school initially provided first aid with young coconut water, but the students’ conditions did not improve. They were then evacuated to the community health centre.
“We gave young coconut water to our students, but their conditions didn’t change, so we decided to take them to the community health centre,” said the school principal, Lalu Imran.
Due to limited ambulance capacity, the evacuation was carried out by motorbike.
“Because it couldn’t fit in the ambulance, we used motorbikes, and we also informed the students’ parents,” he explained.
Parents Protest
The number of victims continued to increase. By 1:00 p.m. WITA, the number of patients reached 22, and parents began arriving at the Pengadangan Community Health Centre.
“My child suddenly vomited, we are disappointed with this MBG, my child suddenly vomited,” said Maesun (46).
He demanded accountability to improve the quality of MBG.
“We demand accountability for this MBG, just because we are poor doesn’t mean you can give us whatever menu like this, we hope it will be better in the future,” he said.
Victims Reach 29 People
By the afternoon, the number of victims had increased to 29. Four people were still receiving intensive care, including one pregnant woman.
“Initially 22 people, but by 3:00 p.m. WITA, the number of patients increased to 29. Six school students and one pregnant woman,” said the Head of Pengadangan Community Health Centre, Suhamdi.
“The pregnant woman has been treated by the doctor, insyaallah the baby is safe,” he added.
Samples Tested, Cause Not Yet Certain
The community health centre has not yet confirmed the cause of the incident and is awaiting laboratory test results.
“From the indications, it does point to poisoning, but we can’t confirm the cause yet, wait for the lab results first,” said Suhamdi.
The NTB MBG Task Force confirmed that this case has been reported to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Food samples have also been sent for testing.
“We have received the report and have forwarded it to the BGN regarding the complete chronology of the incident and further handling,” said the Head of the NTB MBG Task Force, Fathul Gani.
“Food samples have been sent to the BPOM,” added the Head of the East Lombok MBG Task Force, Ahyan.