Hundreds of Students and Teachers Suspected of Food Poisoning from MBG in East Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA) - At least 135 students and teachers are suspected of food poisoning after consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in the Pondok Kelapa area, East Jakarta (Jaktim). “We received information from the school group that around 135 students and teachers from several schools are suspected of poisoning after eating MBG from school,” said a parent from SDN Pondok Kelapa 01 with initials Z when contacted in Jakarta on Saturday. The incident occurred on Thursday (2/4) around 11:00 WIB, coinciding with the time meals were distributed to students. Z mentioned that children usually do not eat the MBG menu immediately, which is generally rice. However, the spaghetti menu on the day of the incident attracted many students to consume it directly at school. “Usually, if children get rice, they pack it and take it home, rarely eating it at school. But yesterday, because the menu was spaghetti, many ate it on the spot,” said Z. According to him, not only students, but some food was also taken home and consumed by family members. This caused similar symptoms in parents. “Some ate at home, and the parents also got poisoned. The symptoms are generally fever, dizziness, and even the most severe is shortness of breath,” said Z. Z mentioned that his child in class 2B was one of those affected. Although he did not finish the food provided, his child still experienced fever symptoms that persisted until now. “My child didn’t finish eating, just a little. But still affected, now still feverish at home. Many friends also have vomiting and diarrhoea (muntaber), diarrhoea, vomiting,” revealed Z. The situation became more concerning when parents sought medical help. Z recounted that the Duren Sawit Community Health Centre, the initial referral, could not accommodate the surge in patients. “Earlier, we wanted to take him to the puskesmas, but it was already full. Many had come first with the same condition. In the end, many went to RSUD Duren Sawit,” explained Z. Furthermore, Z explained that information from the parents’ communication group showed similar cases not only in one school. Besides SDN Pondok Kelapa 01, several other schools were affected. Based on a preliminary report from the Head of the Education Implementation Unit (Kasatpel) of Duren Sawit Sub-District on Friday (3/4) at 11:18 WIB, the number of suspected MBG poisoning victims reached 135 people. The details: at SDN Pondok Kelapa 09, 33 students affected, seven of whom were treated at RSUD Duren Sawit. Then, at SDN Pondok Kelapa 01, 37 students, at SDN Pondok Kelapa 07, 31 students with eight of them treated, and at SMAN 91, 34 people consisting of 28 students and 6 teachers and educational staff. “From the total, 15 people were reported to require intensive treatment at the hospital, while the rest underwent outpatient care,” said Z. In addition, Z revealed that this case is suspected to involve food from the same provider, although to date there is no certainty regarding the identity of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) that supplies meals to those schools. “We are also tracing where this SPPG is from. Possibly the same, because other schools were also affected. But until now, there has been no explanation,” said Z. Z also regretted the minimal official information from the organisers or schools to parents. Z admitted that the communication received so far only focused on handling victims, without touching the root of the problem. “From the class group, the teacher only said to take the children to the hospital immediately, then they will be recorded. Also said not to give milk. But regarding the cause or menu, there has been no clarification,” said Z. Z requested transparency from the relevant parties, given the large number of victims involving more than one school. The MBG programme, said Z, has been running for about six months at the school. During that period, according to Z, no similar incidents had occurred. However, this incident has led some parents to question the feasibility and supervision of the programme. Thorough Evaluation Z even suggested that the implementation of MBG be thoroughly evaluated. Moreover, with a home-packed meal system, parents can ensure the quality and cleanliness of the food consumed by their children. “Personally, it’s better to stop it first or change the mechanism. For example, just give it in cash, so parents can prepare home-packed meals. Safer and clearer,” said Z. Until this news was published, there has been no official statement from the MBG provider or related authorities regarding the exact cause of the suspected poisoning. The data collection process and coordination with health facilities are still ongoing to ensure all victims receive optimal treatment.