MBG Poisoning in East Jakarta: Causes to Number of Victims
A case of poisoning from the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme has occurred again at several primary schools in Pulogebang sub-district, East Jakarta, on Friday, 8 May 2026. The MBG meals distributed by the Pulogebang Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) 15 are suspected of causing hundreds of pupils in the Cakung area, East Jakarta, to experience food poisoning symptoms.
As of Saturday, 9 May 2026, the Jakarta Health Department reported that dozens of students are still receiving hospital treatment. Here are the facts of the MBG poisoning case in East Jakarta, from the causes to the number of victims.
- Tofu Wontons Suspected as the Cause of Poisoning
The Jakarta Health Department has taken samples of the remaining MBG meals for laboratory testing to identify the cause of the poisoning experienced by the students. Jakarta Health Department Head Ani Ruspitawati stated that the laboratory test results are scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, 12 May next week.
The suspicion (of food poisoning) from the physical examination of the food comes from the tofu wonton dish,” said Ani when confirmed by Tempo via WhatsApp message on Saturday.
Based on information gathered by Tempo, the MBG menu served by the Pulogebang SPPG to pupils on Friday, 8 May, included shredded chicken noodles; crispy mushrooms; tofu wontons; watermelon slices; and fresh vegetables.
- Number of Victims Reaches Hundreds
Ani Ruspitawati explained that based on reports received by her agency, there were 252 parental complaints. However, not all parents accessed healthcare services.
The Jakarta Health Department recorded 188 pupils who accessed healthcare due to poisoning symptoms. “Currently, there are still 26 pupils being treated at several hospitals,” said Ani.
The schools affected by this MBG poisoning case include RA Al Latifiyah, SD Negeri Cakung Timur 01, SD Negeri Ujung Menteng 02 and 03, MI Al Adawiyah, MI Al Wathoniyah, and MTs Al Adawiyah.
Tempo has sent a confirmation message regarding the suspected MBG poisoning case in East Jakarta to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana. However, until this report was published, the message sent via the WhatsApp messaging app has not been responded to.
- Jakarta Health Department’s Statement on SPPG Pulogebang’s Hygiene Certificate
The Jakarta Health Department stated that it has conducted guidance and supervision of the Pulogebang SPPG 15 in Cakung, East Jakarta, before the poisoning incident occurred.
Ani Ruspitawati said that the forms of guidance and supervision carried out by her agency include environmental health inspections (IKL), training for food handlers, and issuance of hygiene and sanitation certificates (SLHS). “IKL has been conducted, and currently the SPPG is in the process of improvement and training for food handlers,” said Ani.
She continued that, based on Jakarta Health Department records, SPPG Pulogebang 15 began operating on 31 March 2026. According to National Nutrition Agency (BGN) regulations, this SPPG is given three months to obtain an SLHS.
On 8 January, the BGN stated that it would improve service quality for 2026 by urging SPPGs to fulfil their SLHS obligations, considering findings of E. coli bacteria in the air at several SPPGs.
The SLHS obligation and consequences for SPPGs that do not meet standards are outlined in BGN Head’s Decree Number 401.1 of 2025 on Technical Guidelines for MBG Management in the 2026 Fiscal Year.
- Adding to the Long List of Cases
This poisoning case, which led to hundreds of pupils being rushed to healthcare facilities, adds to the long list of issues in the MBG programme implementation.
Based on data gathered by the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), the total number of MBG poisoning victims from 2025 to early 2026 reaches 21,254 people.
“The continued occurrence of poisoning cases proves that the MBG project is still rushed without clear food safety standards,” said JPPI National Coordinator Ubaid Matraji.