SERUIPOS.COM | Jayapura, Papua – Hundreds of students in Jayapura Regency, Papua, were rushed to health centers and hospitals between Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5, 2026, after reportedly suffering suspected food poisoning linked to the Indonesian government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
The affected students had consumed meals prepared by a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchen managed by the Kasih Iman Samuel Papua Foundation, an organization led by Edison Awoitauw, Chairman of the Gerindra Party’s Jayapura Regency branch.
Foundation Apologizes, Promises Medical Coverage
Representatives of the Kasih Iman Samuel Papua Foundation issued a public apology to students, parents, and the community. The foundation also pledged to cover all medical expenses incurred by students receiving treatment following the incident.
The foundation stated it would fully cooperate with authorities during the ongoing investigation.
Police and National Nutrition Agency Launch Investigation
Jayapura Police confirmed that investigators have questioned approximately 30 witnesses, including kitchen staff and personnel responsible for preparing and distributing the meals.
Meanwhile, National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Sudaryono said preliminary findings indicate that violations of food preparation procedures may have contributed to the incident.
According to Sudaryono, food preparation reportedly began the previous evening—well before the recommended timeframe—raising concerns over food safety standards.
Emergency Response Challenges
The incident placed significant pressure on Jayapura Regency’s limited healthcare system.
Due to the large number of patients suffering symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness, several victims were treated in temporary emergency tents erected outside Yowari Regional Hospital while additional patients were referred to nearby health facilities.
Health authorities distributed patients among local hospitals to avoid overcrowding.
Parents Describe Children’s Symptoms
Several parents shared emotional accounts of their children’s condition after eating the meals.
One grandmother from Depapre District said her grandchild returned to school after classes ended because the meal delivery arrived late. Hours later, the child experienced severe dizziness and weakness before being hospitalized.
Another parent reported that her child complained of stomach pain, nausea, and digestive problems shortly after consuming the meal.
Teachers also reported similar symptoms among students, with one educator noting that the tempeh served appeared different in color from previous meal distributions.
MBG Program Faces Renewed Scrutiny
The mass poisoning has intensified public concern over the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program in Papua.
Since its introduction, the program has generated both support and criticism. While regional governments have expressed support for MBG, student demonstrations opposing the program have occurred in several parts of Papua since early 2025.
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the National Nutrition Agency to establish 2,500 MBG kitchens across Papua, with nationwide expansion targeted before Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on August 17, 2026.
Experts Call for Stronger Prevention Measures
Public health experts emphasized that preventing foodborne illness must become the program’s highest priority.
They argued that food distribution in Papua should account for the region’s geographical challenges and long transportation times. Experts suggested decentralizing meal preparation to schools or nearby community kitchens rather than relying on large centralized facilities serving thousands of meals daily.
Local Government Orders Evaluation
Jayapura Regent Yunus Wonda visited hospitalized students and called for a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG program.
He stressed that food safety and hygiene must take precedence over operational targets.
“Children’s safety must always come first. This should become a major evaluation for everyone involved in the program,” he said.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory results from food samples collected from the SPPG kitchen.
The National Nutrition Agency stated that the kitchen has been temporarily suspended while investigators determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.
If procedural violations are confirmed, officials say appropriate administrative and legal measures will be taken.
Sumber : BBC /Ikbal Asra| Translate : Ute | Editor : Imbiri
