Hundreds of Students in Lombok Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal; National Nutrition Agency Apologises
A case of student food poisoning has occurred once again. This time, 3lag 352 students from several primary schools in the Batukliang District, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), are suspected victims of poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu.
The hundreds of students experienced symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness on Friday (11/9/2026) afternoon. They were subsequently rushed to several nearby community health centres (Puskesmas). The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued an apology for the incident.
The MBG Oversight Task Force in Central Lombok confirmed that the victims have received medical attention. However, the task force has not yet been able to explain in detail the cause of the suspected poisoning.
“We cannot report more at this time. Most of the students have returned home; I want to first ensure how many remain and ensure proper handling,” said the Chairman of the Central Lombok MBG Task Force, Lalu Firman Wijaya, on Friday.
Firman stated that the Task Force and officials from the BGN are currently focusing on treating the victims. He also could not yet confirm what steps would be taken regarding the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) responsible for distributing the MBG.
“Our focus is on treating the victims first. Regarding the investigation and other matters, there will be a separate session,” he concluded.
SPPG to Face Sanctions
The NTB MBG Programme Task Force confirmed that the Nutrition Fulment Service Unit (SPOG) that distributed food to the 352 students in Central Lombok will face sanctions. The SPPG is at risk of suspension or temporary closure.
“Given the situation, an automatic suspension will occur,” said the Chairman of the NTB MBG Programme Task Force, Fathul Gani, when met at the NTB Governor’s office on Friday.
Fathul mentioned that the duration of the suspension is awaiting a decision from the BGN. He noted that a temporary halt is necessary to restore trust and the psychological well-being of the beneficiaries to prevent trauma regarding consuming MBG meals.
“The duration of the suspension will depend on the BGN’s decision. This serves as an evaluation, especially since it resulted in poisoning,” he added.
Fathul stated that the hundreds of students suspected of being poisoned by the MBG menu have been sent home. Based on a preliminary assessment, the food distributed to the beneficiaries did not include a time limit for consumption.
“It should be stated there when the food must be consumed and at what time. Therefore, we are not looking to assign blame,” said Fathul.
On the other hand, Fathul also mentioned that more than 20 SPPGs in NTB are on the list for suspension or temporary closure by the BGN. These units are spread across Lombok and Sumbawa islands.
Appearance of the MBG Menu Triggering Poisoning
Based on information gathered by detikBali, hundreds of students in Central Lombok are suspected of being poisoned after eating an MBG menu consisting of kebab skin, snake fruit, shredded chicken, nuggets, lettuce salad, and cucumber. All food samples have been secured by the police.
The Chief of Central Lombok Police, Kombes Hariyanto, explained that all remaining food has been secured by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Central Lombok Police for further investigation. Additionally, the police have conducted a crime scene investigation (TKP) and inspected the SPPG location.
“The kitchen has been inspected by the Criminal Investigation Unit and Inafis. The crime scene investigation has been completed,” Hariyanto told the media on Friday afternoon.
Hariyanto revealed that all students who were victims of the poisoning came from SDN Lendang Tampel, SDN Repok Puyung, SDN Beber, MTS Qudwatun Hasanah, and SDN Mertak Kesambik. He confirmed that the victims have been well-handled by medical personnel.
The police have not yet announced the next legal steps. He ensured that the incident is currently being handled and will be followed up by officers. “We are still waiting,” said Hariyanto.
BGN Apologises
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has apologised for the poisoning that affected hundreds of students in Central Lombok. The BGN also expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the handling of the victims.
“First and foremost, we need to convey our apologies for this incident, our apologies to the children affected, including their families/guardians, and the schools,” said the Regional Head of BGN West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Eko Prasetyo, on Friday.
Eko stated that the event will serve as material for evaluation. He admitted that the incident has been reported to the BGN central office for follow-up. Furthermore, they are awaiting laboratory results from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to determine the cause of the poisoning.
“Regarding the follow-up to this incident, we will await further direction from central leadership and together await the lab results for the food samples produced today. Our side will always monitor developments on the ground regarding this matter,” added Eko.