Ketapang. Dozens of children and one adult were reported to have suffered food poisoning after consuming the Free Nutritious Meal program in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. As of Wednesday afternoon, the total number of patients reached 25 people, consisting of 24 children and one adult who is a teacher.

The Head of the Ketapang District Health Office, Dr. Feria Kowira, said that out of the total patients, 22 had improved and were allowed to return home after receiving intensive care. Meanwhile, three others were still being treated for fever, stomach pain, and nausea.

“A total of 25 people were treated. Only three patients are still hospitalized, while the other 22 have gone home, including one teacher,” she said, adding that all medical expenses were covered by the Ketapang District Government.

“Treatment is free until full recovery. If there are still children showing symptoms of food poisoning, they must be taken immediately to the community health center or Agoesdjam General Hospital for further treatment,” Feria said.

The Ketapang Health Office has sent food samples suspected of triggering the incident to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in West Kalimantan for laboratory testing.

“The samples were sent this morning, and we are still waiting for the official results from BPOM,” Feria explained.

Field reports indicate that the case of food poisoning is still being investigated by regional officers. The initial suspicion is that the poisoning was caused by the menu provided by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).

Students reported that the Free Nutritious Meal menu, suspected to have caused several students to vomit and experience shortness of breath, consisted of white rice, shark fillet with tomato sauce, fried tofu, stir-fried cabbage with carrots, and melon.

The government said it will continue its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program despite a surge in food poisoning cases that have sickened thousands of schoolchildren nationwide.

Chief Community Empowerment Minister Muhaimin "Cak Imin" Iskandar ruled out halting the initiative. “There is no plan for suspension. I haven’t heard of any,” Muhaimin told reporters on Thursday.

President Prabowo has instructed the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to investigate the recent cases and tighten oversight of food service providers. 

Food safety has become the program’s most pressing issue. By Sept. 22, between 4,711 and 5,360 cases of foodborne illness had been reported by different agencies, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Despite these setbacks, the government is pressing ahead with expansion. The program has already disbursed Rp 13 trillion ($800 million) this year, reaching 22.7 million beneficiaries. Authorities expect to cover 82.9 million Indonesians by the end of 2025, underscoring the initiative’s role in tackling malnutrition and supporting national food security.

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