Task Force Reveals Suspected MBG Food Poisoning Victims in Purworejo Rise to 351

PURWOREJO, KOMPAS.com – The number of residents suspected of food poisoning after consuming Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) in Purworejo Regency, Central Java, has risen to 351 people.

They are spread across six villages: Guntur with 128 people, Nglaris 92, Sidomukti 57, Ngasinan 42, Sendangsari 26, and Limbangan 6.

Suranto, the Head of the Purworejo MBG Task Force, said this figure is still provisional as the data collection process is ongoing.

Previously, the reported number of victims was 255.

"For now, those suspected of poisoning, this is still preliminary, number 351 people have been recorded," Suranto said when contacted on Wednesday (23/9/2026).

The suspected poisoning was first identified on the night of Thursday (17/9/2026) through Friday (18/9/2026).

Several children and residents reportedly experienced health complaints after consuming the food. Symptoms included diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps.

Earlier, Suranto stated that the government had issued a temporary closure letter for SPPG Bener Kaliboto 2.

"SPPG Bener Kaliboto 2 has been suspended in accordance with regulations due to a fatal incident," he said on Monday (21/9/2026).

Residents Demand SPPG Closure

Sarjito, a local resident, said his child developed diarrhea after tasting the MBG food received on Thursday.

"My child only tried a little bit of the chicken. Even that small taste caused diarrhea," he said.

At first, Sarjito thought his child's symptoms were just a regular stomach ache.

However, the next day he learned that several other children were experiencing similar complaints.

"Initially, I didn’t realize it was caused by the MBG. I thought it was just a normal stomachache. But the next morning I heard from others that many people who ate MBG had diarrhea and stomach pain," he explained.

Sarjito is demanding that the SPPG distributing the MBG be shut down. Residents are also calling for an evaluation of the MBG program's implementation.

"Our demand is to close the SPPG," Sarjito stated.

Guntur Village Posyandu Rejects MBG

Adi Candra, Coordinator of SPPG Bener District, confirmed the rejection of MBG in the Guntur Village area.

A number of residents voiced this opposition during a demonstration in Guntur Village on Monday (21/9/2026).

"Yes, indeed, residents and the community reject the MBG program," Candra said on Tuesday (22/9/2026).

"We have also reported this to the regional coordinator leaders in Purworejo Regency; we will accommodate the request that the Posyandu in Guntur has declared rejection," he added.

Candra further stated that going forward, the Posyandu in Guntur Village will no longer accept MBG.
"From now on, they will no longer receive MBG," Candra said.