Suspected MBG Poisoning: Over 50 Students in Demak Hospitalised
Dozens of students in Pilangwetan Village, Kebonagung District, Demak Regency, Central Java, are suspected of experiencing food poisoning after consuming a Free Nutritious Meal (MBG). As a result of the incident, more than 50 students had to be treated at hospitals.
The Head of the Demak Health Office, Ali Maimun, revealed that the students began showing symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhoea on Sunday morning (19/4/2026). Based on initial information received by Ali, the students come from three to five boarding schools in Pilangwetan Village.
“The incident started from this morning. We from the Health Office have evacuated the victims who are experiencing nausea and vomiting to the hospital,” Ali told Republika on Sunday.
Ali suspects that the students experienced suspected poisoning from the MBG menu served on Saturday (18/4/2026). “So in the morning these students attend school at MTs. Then they return or stay at the boarding schools,” he said.
He admitted that he has not yet obtained data on where the students who are victims of the suspected poisoning attend school. However, Ali already knows the MBG menu consumed by the students, namely fried rice, eggs, pickles, and oranges. The MBG was supplied by the same SPPG.
According to Ali, the exact number of students suspected of experiencing food 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 students are being treated at three hospitals and one community health centre. “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 refer them directly to the hospital,” he stated.
Ali admitted that he has not yet received information on the name of the SPPG supplying MBG to the students’ schools. However, he assured that the Demak Health Office will conduct an inspection at the SPPG on Monday (20/4/2026). They will examine compliance with operational standard procedures related to the SPPG, including taking samples.