Two Vocational School Students Recovering from MBG Poisoning Discharged, Vice President Gibran Urges Regular Check-ups

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming urged two vocational high school students from Karo Regency, North Sumatra, who were suspected of food poisoning after consuming a Free Nutritious Meal (MBG), to continue regular medical check-ups as advised by their doctors.

Gibran conveyed this message after the two students, Febiona Purba and Agnesia Paruliana Boru Silitonga, were declared in good condition and allowed to be discharged from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta.

“I hope their journey home goes smoothly. I also wish that follow-up monitoring and check-ups continue as directed by the medical team,” Gibran said in a written statement on Friday (18/9/2026).

According to Gibran, Agnesia and Febiona, along with their families, have been scheduled to return to their homes in North Sumatra.

He prayed for their safe travels and expressed gratitude that both students were finally cleared for discharge by their doctors. 

Furthermore, Gibran hoped that Agnesia and Febiona could resume their activities and continue their studies.

“To Agnesia and Febiona, welcome back home and good luck continuing your school activities. May you stay healthy and keep studying to achieve your dreams,” Gibran said.

He also took the opportunity to thank and appreciate the RSCM Medical Team, the Ministry of Health, and the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office.

“As well as all parties involved in the referral, treatment, and recovery process of Agnesia and Febiona,” he added.

Previously reported, RSCM Director of Medical and Nursing Services, Dr. Renan Sukmawan, stated the condition of both patients has improved and they were now able to communicate well.

Renan explained that the primary focus of the medical team is to restore the patients’ physical and psychological condition for optimal recovery.

“God willing, we will soon plan outpatient care so these young ladies can return to school quickly. This is our task at RSCM to provide the best care until outpatient preparation is complete, possibly by this weekend,” Renan said during a press conference on Wednesday (16/9/2026).

The Condition of Febiona and Agnesia

In the same occasion, the medical team also denied allegations that Febiona had suffered brain function damage causing 70 percent memory loss.

RSCM Pediatric Neurology Consultant, Prof. Setyo Handryastuti, said the patient’s electroencephalogram (EEG) results were normal.

“Currently, Febiona’s memory is very good, both short-term and long-term. The EEG examination also shows no abnormalities,” Handry said.

According to Handry, Febiona’s symptoms were more indicative of a panic attack causing seizures, rather than brain disorder or epilepsy.

A positive recovery was also shown by Agnesia, who was initially diagnosed with acute kidney function decline or kidney failure.

RSCM Pediatric Nephrology Consultant, Dr. Henny Adriani Puspitasari, confirmed Agnesia’s kidneys have now recovered.

“Her kidney condition is currently in the recovery phase and functioning normally again. Agnesia is now able to be independent, stand, walk, and carry out activities. We estimate that she can be discharged by this weekend,” Henny explained.