August 28, 2025 | 09:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of students suspected of suffering from food poisoning after consuming free nutritious meals in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, continues to rise. As of Thursday, August 28, 2005, preliminary data shows that 427 students have experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and weakness after consuming state-sanctioned free meals at their schools.
The victims suspected of being poisoned by the free nutritious meals come from various schools, ranging from preschool (PAUD) to elementary schools (SD) in Lebong. Among them are students from Integrated Islamic SD Al Azhar, Integrated Islamic PAUD Al Azhar, SD Muhammadiyah 1 A Ujung Tanjung, and integrated islamic kindergarten (TK) Tabeak Kauk.
The students from these schools experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and weakness after consuming meals consisting of noodles, meatballs, vegetables, milk, and eggs on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Subsequently, most of the victims have been receiving treatment at the Regional General Hospital of Lebong since Wednesday morning. The number of food poisoning victims after consuming the free meals being treated at Lebong Hospital continues to rise until today.
Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian has visited the victims at the hospital. Mian ensures that the provincial government will increase the supply of emergency medicines for the victims.
"I have asked the provincial health department to increase the buffer stock of medicines in Lebong. Although the stock is sufficient for 100 patients in the future, we still add more to anticipate emergency situations," said Mian, as quoted from Antara, on Thursday, August 28.
The Bengkulu government is currently moving quickly to ensure that the treatment runs optimally. "On behalf of Pak Governor, we ensure that everything is handled as best as possible. The government must be present," he said.
Lebong Deputy Regent Bambang Agus Suprabudi said that the main challenge faced since the beginning of victim handling was the limited number of patient beds. "Our main challenge yesterday (Wednesday) was the beds. However, the situation has been resolved. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has sent additional mattresses for the patients," said Bambang.
The local government hopes that the condition of the hundreds of students who have become victims of mass food poisoning from free nutritious meals can be recovered soon after the additional medicine supply from the province and the support of health facilities from the regency.
Editor’s Choice: 196 Students, Teachers in Central Java Suspected Poisoned by MBG Meals
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesians Rely on Healthcare Professionals for Supplement Information
5 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
BPOM to Test Samples of MBG Food Tray Suspected of Containing Pork Oil
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) will conduct tests on samples of food tray from the free nutritious meal program (MBG) suspected of containing pork oil.
Students Wave One Piece Flag During August 25 Mass Protest at DPR Building
2 hari lalu
A number of students wearing school uniforms joined the August 25 mass protest at the House of Representatives (DPR), waving One Piece flags.
Students at University of Indonesia Protest Pro-Zionist Scholar's Visit
3 hari lalu
The protesters will also demand that the University of Indonesia show a genuine commitment to Palestine through tangible actions.
Indonesian Govt Begins Sending Interactive Whiteboards to Schools Nationwide
5 hari lalu
Before distribution, the Ministry of Education asks schools to ensure infrastructure readiness, including electricity and internet connection.
Survey: Free Nutritious Meal Program Only Slightly Helps Household Expenses
6 hari lalu
Indonesian Social Survey released the latest findings on public satisfaction with the government's performance on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Today's Top 3 News: Sri Mulyani Denies Video Calling Teachers State Burden: Hoax, Deepfake
8 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Rp335tn Allocated for Free Nutritious Meal Program in Indonesia's 2026 State Budget
8 hari lalu
According to President Prabowo, the allocation of Rp 335 trillion for the free nutritious meal program is intended for 82.9 million beneficiaries.
MBG Gets Rp24.7 Trillion from Health Budget, Apart from 44% of Education Funds
9 hari lalu
Sri Mulyani said the MBG health budget is allocated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers, with 7.4 million beneficiaries.
Free Meal Program Budget Increased to Rp335 Trillion in 2026, Prabowo Confirms
13 hari lalu
The Free Nutritious Meal Program's previous budget was Rp217.86 trillion, with the 2026 allocation up 53.78%.
