NTB MBG Task Force Requests SPPG to Check Health of 51 Students Poisoned in East Lombok

The Chairman of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Task Force in West Nusa Tenggara, Fathul Gani, has instructed the Head of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Jurit Baru, Jurit Village, Pringgasela District, East Lombok, to check the health of 51 students following their poisoning incident on Friday (24/4/2026). “All the victims have returned to their respective homes, but I have ordered the SPPG to immediately check the students’ health at their respective addresses,” Fathul said on Monday (27/4/2026). This check, Fathul explained, is to ensure that the students are truly recovering. The SPPG distributing MBG has also been temporarily closed. The closure serves as a sanction imposed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Previously, 51 students in East Lombok were poisoned by the MBG menu from the Jurit Baru SPPG. As a result, the SPPG’s operations were suspended temporarily on Saturday, 25 April 2026, based on circular letter Number 1928/D.TWS/04/2026. Not only the suspension of operations, but in that letter, the BGN also recommended the temporary suspension of government assistance funds to the relevant SPPG during the ongoing investigation period. In addition, the SPPG is required to immediately complete all payment processes using virtual accounts (VA) within 1x24 hours for the operational period before the letter was issued. 81 SPPGs Suspended Fathul stated that preliminary data shows there are still 81 kitchens suspended. All the kitchens that are still temporarily frozen have not yet completed their wastewater treatment installation (IPAL) and sanitation hygiene fitness certificate (SLHS). Fathul emphasised that MBG kitchens that are closed are given time to improve their IPAL and SLHS management. However, it is not impossible for kitchens that have received three sanctions to be permanently closed. “So if there is a request to reopen the kitchen, it must complete the presence of (IPAL) and does not yet have a Sanitation Hygiene Fitness Certificate (SLHS),” Fathul stressed. “For prominent incidents, clarification and in-depth investigation are needed. But if they violate three times, they will definitely be permanently closed, and of course, we give warnings first,” said the Assistant I of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Secretariat. Residents May Criticise MBG Menu Fathul emphasised that posting MBG menus on social media is very much allowed. As long as it is factual and intended for supervision, it cannot be subject to criminal sanctions or the like. He asked the public, who are also involved in supervising the MBG programme, to do so. “So criticism can be conveyed in various ways and so on to nutrition experts, to the kitchen head, there is the SPPG. If there is something lacking, they can convey it directly there,” Fathul explained. According to Fathul, efforts to video the MBG menu and post it on social media by recipients can be done in good ways. The requirement for conveying criticism on social media must be in accordance with the facts. “So there’s no problem, please go ahead. If something is found as long as it matches the facts, no problem. The media also plays a role as a tool for social control. So through any media as long as it matches the facts,” Fathul stressed. The former Head of the Civil Service Police Unit (Kasatpol PP) of West Nusa Tenggara also encouraged SPPG heads not to react negatively if residents video the MBG menu and post it on social media. He also asked SPPG heads not to report residents who viralise the MBG menu anymore. “So if there is an element of intentional posting. Well, that needs clarification actually. It doesn’t have to go to the police. We ask to settle it at least at the lower level with mediation,” Fathul requested. “Avoid reporting that. It will just add to the problems later,” Fathul explained.