DiYES International School – MBG free meal programs are designed to provide nutritious food for students across Indonesia but a shocking incident in Banggai Islands Central Sulawesi has raised serious concerns. More than 250 elementary through high school students reportedly fell ill after consuming MBG meals at their schools on Wednesday September 17 2025. Local police confirmed that by Thursday morning around 177 students had been released from medical care while dozens remained under treatment in health centers and hospitals. Videos from the scene showed frightened parents rushing to clinics as ambulances transported children for emergency assistance. Students experienced symptoms including nausea dizziness stomach pain and in some cases convulsions. The rapid spread of illness turned a routine school day into a public health crisis prompting immediate investigations from local authorities and medical teams.
The MBG meals served during school hours draw full attention from Banggai Islands Police and health officials investigating the case. Reports show students from SMA 1 Tinangkung SMK 1 Tinangkung SDN Tompudau SDN Pembina SDN Saiyong and MTs Alkhairat Salakan became sick. Most victims were high school students while elementary and junior high schools reported fewer illness cases. Police Chief AKBP Ronaldus Karurukan confirmed investigators will question all parties preparing and distributing MBG meals to find the contamination source. Investigators summoned several individuals connected to the food program but some have not attended scheduled interviews. Authorities collect food samples to check for possible contamination from unsafe ingredients or poor handling practices. Officials interview kitchen staff to understand cooking procedures and identify any hygiene violations during preparation. Teams review delivery methods and supply chains to detect weaknesses that might have triggered the outbreak.
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Hospitals and local clinics in Banggai Islands mobilized medical teams to treat the large number of affected students. Emergency rooms filled quickly as ambulances arrived carrying children with stomach pain vomiting and severe dehydration. Doctors provided oxygen support and intravenous fluids to students showing critical symptoms during treatment. Medical staff placed a few students under intensive monitoring because of serious health conditions. Doctors reported that most patients responded well to treatment and recovered within twenty four hours. Health officials monitor students still hospitalized to prevent complications and ensure full recovery. Temporary observation wards handled the sudden influx of patients during the emergency. Additional medical staff arrived from nearby districts to assist overwhelmed teams in the response.
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The incident has sparked fear and anger among parents and community members who rely on MBG programs to provide safe nutritious meals for their children. Parents expressed shock that a government supported initiative intended to improve student health could result in such widespread illness. Many demanded immediate transparency from school administrators food suppliers and local authorities about the cause of the contamination. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and testimonies from worried families calling for stricter food safety standards and routine inspections of school meal programs. Community leaders have organized meetings to discuss preventive measures and to demand clearer communication from officials handling the investigation. The incident has also prompted neighboring districts to review their own MBG meal protocols as a precaution.
In response to the crisis local government officials and national health agencies have pledged a thorough investigation and stronger oversight of school feeding programs. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health are coordinating to review food sourcing sanitation practices and distribution methods associated with MBG meals. Preliminary findings will be shared with the public to rebuild trust and ensure accountability. Authorities have also begun drafting stricter guidelines for meal preparation storage and delivery to prevent similar outbreaks. Training programs for food handlers and school staff are being planned to reinforce hygiene and safety standards. Officials emphasize that while MBG aims to improve child nutrition the program must guarantee that every meal served meets the highest standards of cleanliness and quality to protect students across Indonesia.
This article is sourced from detik.com and for more details you can read at diyesinternational
Writer: Sarah Azhari
Editor: Anisa
