Number of Students Poisoned Allegedly by Consuming MBG Increases, Cianjur Declares Extraordinary National Examination

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - The number of students who are suspected to have been poisoned after consuming food packages from the Free Nutritious Meal Program in Cianjur, West Java, has increased to 79 individuals. In relation to this, Cianjur has declared a status of extraordinary event.

Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Cianjur Health Service Frida Laila Yahya when contacted by Kompas on Wednesday (23/4/2025) confirmed the information. The data is based on data collection until Tuesday night.

Frida explained that the 79 victims are students from two schools participating in the MBG program. The two schools are Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Cianjur and SMP PGRI 1 Cianjur.

The students experienced symptoms of poisoning on Monday (21/4/2025). Previously, they had consumed meal packages as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in the morning.

The victims experienced symptoms of vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. The majority of the victims received treatment at the Sayang Cianjur Regional General Hospital and the Bhayangkara Hospital, as well as several community health centers.

"According to the latest data, there are still five students receiving treatment at the Sayang Cianjur Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, the other students who exhibited symptoms of poisoning have returned to their respective homes," he explained.

Frida stated that her team is still compiling the number of students suspected of experiencing symptoms of poisoning in other schools. This is because the MBG program is implemented in nine schools, which include one kindergarten, three elementary schools, two junior high schools, two vocational high schools, and one Islamic senior high school.

He also stated that the production of MBG food in the kitchen has been temporarily halted. This effort is to await the results of the food sample examination at the West Java Health Laboratory.

"The Cianjur Regency Government has also declared a status of extraordinary event regarding dozens of poisoning cases. This status is effective for two days, starting from Tuesday," he added.

The Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the West Java Health Office, Rochady Hendra Setia Wibawa, added that food samples have been sent to the West Java Health Laboratory located in Bandung. The examination process is expected to take about a week.

"Sample examination is about a week. Food sample examination to find out the germs that cause poisoning," he explained.

The Deputy Chairman of the West Java Regional House of Representatives, Ono Surono, has requested President Prabowo Subianto and the National Nutrition Agency to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of MBG. This is due to the numerous issues that have arisen, such as the poisoning experienced by dozens of students in Cianjur.

"The case of students experiencing poisoning in Cianjur has become one of the ongoing issues in the implementation of MBG. There needs to be an evaluation of this program," said Ono.