BGN Temporarily Halts Watubangga SPPG Operations in Kendari after 57 Students Suspected of Poisoning from MBG

KENDARI, KOMPAS.com - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations at the Watubangga Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) in Baruga District, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, starting Saturday (9/19/2026).

This decision follows a mass health complaint involving 57 students from MAN and MTS Al Askar Kendari who fell ill after consuming Free Nutritious Food (MBG).

The Head of Nutrition Service Office (KPPG) Kendari City, Mulyadi, revealed that the suspension was carried out pursuant to direct instructions from the Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision of BGN.

During the suspension period, SPPG Watubangga is strictly prohibited from producing or distributing food until a comprehensive evaluation is completed.

"The SPPG Kendari City Baruga Watubangga has received a Temporary Operational Suspension Letter. BGN has not set a time limit yet as the evaluation is still ongoing," Mulyadi said on Sunday (9/20/2026).

Currently, BGN is awaiting laboratory test results on food samples consumed by the students.

According to Mulyadi, this inspection is essential to determine the primary cause of the incident.

Mulyadi added that his team is also evaluating several SPPGs across Southeast Sulawesi, focusing on compliance with all operational procedures established by BGN.

Majority of Victims Are Boarding School Students

Based on internal data, Mulyadi continued, the 57 affected students are mostly boarding school students from MTs Al Askar and MA Al Askar Kendari.

Most are aged between 12 and 15 and come from outside the city, including Konawe Islands Regency, South Konawe, and Bombana.

To address the impact of this incident, BGN assures that it will cover all medical and treatment costs for the students at several health facilities: Bahteramas Hospital, Dewi Sartika Hospital, and Lepo-Lepo Community Health Center.

Patients’ Conditions Improving

The Head of Lepo-Lepo Community Health Center, Dewi Sultriana, reported that of the 28 students treated there, all have improved and been discharged.

"Their overall health has improved compared to when they first arrived, although some are still experiencing dizziness," Dewi said.

In addition to physical care, the health center is also focusing on the students’ psychological recovery.

"Psychological support continues, especially since some students have yet to receive family visits due to coming from outside the area," she added.

The Secretary of Kendari City MBG Task Force, Abdul Rauf, confirmed that all students treated at Lepo-Lepo Community Health Center, Kendari City Regional Hospital, and Dewi Sartika Hospital have improved.

"Thank God, they have all been discharged, either back to their dormitories or their homes," Rauf said on Sunday evening (9/20/2026).

It was reported that dozens of MAN and MTS Al Askar Kendari students were rushed to various health facilities due to suspected poisoning after eating Free Nutritious Food (MBG) on Friday (9/18/2026).

Most of the students, predominantly female, complained of dizziness shortly after consuming MBG prepared by SPPG Watubangga Baruga kitchen in Kendari City.