Over 50 Santri in Demak Suspected of MBG Poisoning, Here is Their Condition
Dozens of santri in Pilangwetan village, Kebonagung sub-district, Demak regency, Central Java, are suspected of suffering from poisoning after consuming a free nutritious meal (MBG). As a result of the incident, more than 50 santri had to be treated at hospitals.
The Head of the Demak Health Department, Ali Maimun, revealed that the santri began experiencing poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhoea on Sunday morning (19/4/2026). Based on initial information received by Ali, the santri came from three to five pesantren in Pilangwetan village.
“The incident started from this morning. We from the Health Department have already evacuated the victims who experienced nausea and vomiting to the hospital,” said Ali to Republika on Sunday.
Ali suspects that the santri experienced suspected poisoning from the MBG menu served on Saturday (18/4/2026). “So in the morning, these santri go to school at MTs. Then they return or stay at the pesantren,” he said.
He admitted that he has not yet obtained data on where the santri who became victims of the suspected poisoning study. However, Ali already knows the MBG menu consumed by the santri, namely fried rice, eggs, pickles, and oranges. The MBG was supplied from the same SPPG.
According to Ali, the exact number of santri suspected of experiencing poisoning is not yet known or is still being tallied. “There are more than 50 who are being treated,” he said.
Ali revealed that the santri are being treated at three hospitals and one puskesmas. “We have opened health services in Pilangwetan village. So if anyone experiences complaints, they can come there. There was also a doctor there this morning. If the symptoms are severe, we directly refer them to the hospital,” he stated.
Ali admitted that he has not yet received information on the name of the SPPG that supplies MBG to the santri’s schools. However, he assured that the Demak Health Department will conduct an inspection at the SPPG on Monday (20/4/2026). They will examine compliance with the relevant operational standard procedures of the SPPG, including taking samples.