Suspected MBG Poisoning in Kebonagung Demak, 61 People Still Hospitalised

The Head of the Demak District Health Office, Ali Maimun, revealed that 61 people suspected of being poisoned by the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) in Pilangwetan Village, Kebonagung Subdistrict, are still undergoing inpatient treatment at hospitals. Most of those being treated are students from Islamic boarding schools. “Yesterday, there were 68 being treated, then one was discharged, making 67. Now six have been discharged, meaning 61 are still being treated,” Ali stated when interviewed on Tuesday (21/4/2026). He added that those undergoing inpatient treatment are spread across five hospitals and one community health centre. Besides students, there are also toddlers and breastfeeding mothers among those being treated. The students suspected of poisoning come from several Islamic boarding schools. According to Ali, the patients undergoing inpatient treatment are still experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Ali said they will be treated until their conditions improve. Ali revealed that those experiencing poisoning symptoms consumed the MBG on Saturday (18/4/2026). The menu consisted of fried rice, egg, pickles, and oranges. According to Ali, the number of residents suspected of poisoning totals 134 people. Most are students. This is because SPPG Khidmatul Ummah Madani, as the supplier, provided MBG to several boarding schools in Kebonagung. Of the total experiencing poisoning symptoms, 68 required inpatient treatment. The rest received outpatient care. Ali stated that an inspection of SPPG Khidmatul Ummah was conducted on Sunday (19/4/2026). “Food samples and water samples have been taken for testing. Officials also took samples from the children’s vomit,” he said. He explained that in the preparation of MBG, SPPG is required to store or reserve one portion of food as a sample. “So if an incident like this happens, we take that sample,” Ali remarked.