127 Students Suspected of Food Poisoning from MBG in Pariaman, 2 Hospitalized at HCU, City Government Covers Treatment Costs

PARIAMAN, KOMPAS.com - The Pariaman City Government in West Sumatra has covered the medical expenses for 127 students who are suspected of food poisoning after consuming the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

Pariaman Mayor Yota Balad stated that the medical costs for the victims are usually borne by a foundation.

However, the Pariaman City Government decided to take immediate action to ensure that treatment for the sick students would not be delayed.

"The medical expenses for the children are typically covered by a foundation, but right now, we’re stepping in from the Pariaman City Government. The main priority is to save the children who have been poisoned. We treat those affected first," Yota said in an interview with TribunPadang.com during an event with Indonesia’s Deputy Health Minister Dr. Benjamin Paulus Octavianus at RS M Djamil Padang on Friday (18/9/2026).

When asked if the city government would cover the costs, Yota confirmed.

"Yes, we are covering it," he said.

Two students remain hospitalized at RS M Djamil

Of the total victims, two female students had to be referred to RS M Djamil Padang after their condition worsened.

According to Yota, the two students were initially treated in the ICU after experiencing nausea and abdominal pain.

However, their conditions have gradually improved and they have since been transferred to a regular inpatient ward.

"They were indeed admitted to the ICU yesterday, but now they are in the inpatient ward," Yota said.

He added that their condition had deteriorated the night before, prompting the referral to RS M Djamil.

"Alhamdulillah, they are getting better. So maybe within one or two days, they can return home. We pray for their continued recovery," he stated.

The other victims are reported to be in stable condition.

Cause of poisoning still awaiting laboratory results

The Pariaman City Government is still waiting for laboratory test results to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.

Yota said the local government cannot yet confirm whether the poisoning was triggered by a particular bacterium or other factors.

"We’re still waiting on the lab results to identify the bacteria involved. We don’t know yet what kind of bacteria or cause it is," he explained.

He also revealed that he has asked the Head of BPOM to expedite the test results.

"So that we can find out what caused the poisoning of our students," he added.

The lab results will serve as the basis for the government to decide on subsequent measures.

MBG food distribution center closed

The MBG meals consumed by the students were sourced from a single Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).

Following the suspected poisoning incident, the Pariaman City Government has instructed the closure of that SPPG.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has also conducted an investigation on site.

"After the poisoning incident, we instructed that SPPG to close, and now the BGN has arrived to investigate. We are awaiting their follow-up and investigation results," Yota said.

A total of 127 students are suspected to have been affected.

Most of the victims are students from MTsN 1 Pariaman, while two students are from SMPN 1 Pariaman and one is from elementary school level.

Seven SPPGs to be regularly monitored

The Pariaman City Government is also tightening supervision over all operating SPPGs in the area.

Currently, there are around seven active SPPGs in Pariaman City.

Yota said monitoring of these SPPGs will be conducted regularly at least once a month.

"We will conduct monitoring at least once a month. This has been instructed to the Health Office," he said.

The local government will also coordinate with the regional coordinators of the SPPG units to ensure the MBG program runs more effectively, especially regarding food cleanliness and hygiene.

"Every month we will communicate with the SPPG coordinators to improve the program going forward, and this will be implemented. After this incident, we are committed to ensuring that the SPPGs are truly hygienic," he stated.

The Pariaman Health Office has also been ordered to carry out mitigation for all SPPGs, including assessing their operational feasibility.

"If any are found unfit, we will not issue the SLS (health eligibility certificates)," Yota said.

City government prepares trauma healing

In addition to addressing the physical condition of the victims, the Pariaman City Government is also considering psychological support.

This measure is intended to prevent students from developing trauma toward the MBG meals.

Yota said they will coordinate with psychologists at RSUD Sadikin to provide support and motivation to the students.

"Yes, we will also relay this to the doctors at RSUD Sadikin, especially the psychologists, to motivate the children so they don’t develop trauma toward the MBG food," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of taking legal action over the incident, Yota has yet to make a decision.

Parts of this article were originally published by TribunPadang.com under the title "MBG Food Poisoning Victims in Pariaman Reach 127 Students, City Government Covers Hospital Costs".