September 10, 2026 | 06:35 pm
The Indonesian Ministry of Health building in Jakarta. TEMPO/Dhemas Reviyanto
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Concerns over food safety under Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program have intensified following several food poisoning cases involving students. The latest case involves a 16-year-old student in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, who is suspected of experiencing memory loss after falling ill following an MBG meal.Indonesia's Health Ministry said the student, identified by the initials FP, has been receiving outpatient treatment at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, North Sumatra, since August 31, 2026."She is currently receiving treatment and has been undergoing outpatient care at Adam Malik Hospital in Medan since August 31," Health Ministry Public Communications Bureau Head Aji Muhawarman told Tempo on Thursday, September 10, 2026.Aji said FP is being treated by several specialists, including a pediatric gastrohepatologist, a pediatric neurologist, and a mental health specialist.Lawmaker Calls for Government to Cover Medical CostsDeputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa urged the government to ensure that FP's medical expenses are covered.The NasDem Party politician said the health effects of the suspected food poisoning constituted a serious issue requiring government intervention. He said responsibility should not rest solely with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), but also with local governments."The cost of restoring the child's health also needs to be taken seriously and fully covered by the government," Saan said at the House complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 9.BGN Head Sudaryono did not respond to Tempo's request for an interview.During a visit to victims at Medan Haji Hospital on August 16, however, Sudaryono said there were indications of negligence by the local Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), which prepares and distributes meals under the MBG program.A preliminary BGN investigation found that around 200 to 300 fish may not have been stored in freezers."The fish were then left at room temperature for 12 to more than 12 hours," said Sudaryono, a Gerindra Party politician.Amnesty International Calls for MBG Program to Be HaltedAmnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said the case reflected a failure by the state to protect children. He called for the MBG program to be halted."The case of a student in Karo Regency losing her memory after falling ill due to MBG is a form of the state's failure to protect children's human rights," Usman said.He also urged the government to thoroughly investigate all food poisoning cases linked to the program, restore victims' access to medical care and ensure that those responsible face criminal accountability.
