Batang Regent Calls Head of BGN after Hundreds Suspected Poisoned from MBG, Demands Thorough Audit

BATANG, KOMPAS.com - Batang Regent M Faiz Kurniawan contacted the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, after hundreds of residents were suspected of food poisoning from eating the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG).

Through a phone call, Faiz reported the situation occurring in his region.

In the conversation, Sudaryono urged Faiz to conduct a thorough audit of the incident.

"Honestly, this morning I already called Mr. Sudaryono to report the situation," Faiz said, as quoted from TribunJateng on Thursday (24/9/2026).

"He said, 'Please audit as thoroughly as possible, Mr. Regent, and also ensure all SPBGs are monitored and investigated,'" he added.

Cause of Poisoning Yet to Be Determined

Faiz also received instructions regarding service units whose investigation results warrant a recommendation to suspend operations. This directive must be acted upon promptly.

"If any are recommended by local government for closure, the Head of BGN confirms they must be shut down," Faiz explained.

However, Faiz stressed that the government has not yet been able to pinpoint the source of the food that caused symptoms in the victims.

According to him, identifying the poisoning source is the responsibility of the health and investigation teams through testing.

All investigation processes must be based on examination and scientific evidence to avoid premature conclusions.

"Therefore, it is up to the health and investigation teams to determine the poisoning source, as this requires labs and must be scientifically verified," Faiz said.

Victims’ Condition Reported Improving

Based on preliminary information received by Faiz, cooking began around 2:00 a.m. WIB.

Food portions were completed by approximately 9:00 a.m., and distribution finished by around 12:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Batang Regency administration confirmed that healthcare facilities remain on alert, prepared to handle any increase in patients.

Batang District Health Office head Ida Susilaksmi said they continue to monitor the health progress of all patients, with many treated at Batang Regional Hospital (RSUD).

Ida stated she personally monitored the situation at RSUD Batang on Thursday morning at about 6:30 a.m. WIB, having already been there until 11:45 p.m. the previous night.

According to Ida, all patients are now in better condition than before. She also denied reports of any fatalities resulting from the suspected poisoning in several schools in Bawang Subdistrict.

"If there were any death reports, I would have been contacted immediately. No such reports have come in, including this morning. Thankfully, their condition is improving," she added.

Regency to Demand Accountability from SPPG

Meanwhile, Batang Vice Regent Suyono urged all hospitals and inpatient health centers to accommodate victims to ensure they receive prompt medical care.

Suyono also said the administration will hold each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) accountable for this poisoning case.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. What matters most is that we all hope this will be the last incident," he said.

So far, eleven educational institutions are within the distribution area of the involved SPPG.

These are Teman Kanak-Kanak Al Ikhlas, SD Negeri 3 Bawang, TK Pertiwi, MA Sunan Kalijaga, MTs Sunan Kalijaga, TK Kuncup Mekar, TP Ananda, Pos PAUD Anggrek Mas, TK Korotaayun, RA Al Hidayah, and MI Salafiyah Pasusukan.