Jakarta, ThedailyID — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka traveled to Batang, Central Java, on Monday, September 28, 2026. He wanted to check the handling of residents who suffered suspected food poisoning after eating meals from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
“Today I came directly to ensure that victims receive proper treatment, families get certainty, the investigation is completed, and supervision is strengthened,” Gibran said, according to Antara, as reported on Monday, September 28.
Gibran said the government must prioritize the victims’ health. Patients who still need treatment should receive medical care until they recover.
Those who have already gone home but develop new symptoms should also receive further medical checks. Gibran said the government would cover the victims’ medical expenses.
He also asked health facilities to ensure that the payment process runs properly. The government wants to prevent medical costs from placing an additional burden on affected families.
Gibran also called for a prompt investigation into the suspected food poisoning. He said authorities must publish the findings transparently so they can serve as a basis for future improvements.
“The cause of the incident remains under examination. However, the investigation must finish soon, and authorities must present the findings transparently,” Gibran said.
He also called for a comprehensive review of the MBG program’s implementation in Batang. The review should cover food hygiene, preparation times, storage, distribution, and supervision in the field.
“Food safety standards must be ensured, and authorities must immediately address every finding,” Gibran said. He added that food safety and quality must remain priorities in the government’s flagship program.
The incident occurred in Bawang District, Batang, on September 23. Hundreds of students, parents, and elderly residents reportedly experienced health problems after consuming MBG meals.
Batang authorities initially recorded 276 affected residents. The local government prepared four health facilities to treat them, including Batang Community Health Center, Limpung Hospital, Subah Community Health Center, and Kalisari Hospital.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) had previously reported 219 affected people as of September 24. At that point, 132 people received inpatient care and 87 received outpatient treatment at seven health facilities. BGN said the figures remained subject to updates.
BGN also temporarily suspended the Bawang Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) under its heavy-suspension category. The agency also removed the head of the SPPG from the position.
An initial inspection found several violations of operating procedures. One finding involved egg preparation, which started at 7:30 p.m. before staff reheated the eggs at 2:30 a.m. BGN also found cleanliness issues in several areas of the SPPG kitchen.
BGN stressed that these findings do not yet establish the cause of the incident. Investigators are still examining the entire process, from raw material reception and cooking to storage, portioning, and distribution.
