April 22, 2025 | 07:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Cianjur - The Health Office of Cianjur Regency in West Java has declared an extraordinary occurrence (KLB) following an alleged mass food poisoning involving dozens of students after consuming free meals. Meanwhile, the students at State Madrasah Aliyah (MAN) 1 Cianjur who suffered from food poisoning have expressed trauma and refused to consume foods from the free nutritious meal program.
A total of 65 students from the MAN 1 Cianjur and PGRI Junior High School 1 Cianjur experienced symptoms of food poisoning after allegedly consuming the government-sanctioned free meals. Yusman Faisal, the Head of the Health Office of Cianjur Regency, stated that the extraordinary occurrence declaration allows for centralized and coordinated handling.
"The medical team assesses the cause and related parties of the incident immediately after,” said Yusman when contacted by phone on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Yusman also vowed proper treatments for the students who suffered from the incident. The Health Office instructed medical personnel at the puskesmas, or health facility center, to record and monitor the condition of the students.
Food samples from the free nutritious meal kitchen and the students’ vomit have also been sent to the West Java Health Laboratory (Labkesda) for examination.
"The laboratory results are normally available in two weeks, but we have requested expedited results in at least one week,” said Yusman.
Yusman also revealed that most of the victims have been discharged after undergoing a six-hour observation at health facilities. "In addition to being declared an extraordinary occurrence, this case has garnered attention from various parties due to its connection with the free nutritious meal program," he added.
Previously, dozens of students from MAN 1 Cianjur reportedly experienced symptoms of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea on Monday, April 21, 2025, after consuming the government’s free meal from the MBG program. The victims were then taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
A parent of a twelfth-grade student at MAN 1 Cianjur said that their child is traumatized and refuses to consume the free meal portion again at their school. "Maybe because of the pain during the poisoning, feeling nauseous and uncomfortable, my child said they regret it and do not want to consume the MBG portion again," said the parent, who declined to be named.
According to the parent, the same trauma also occurred with their niece, who is still under treatment at the Cianjur Bhayangkara Hospital. "The children opt to bring their own meals from home instead of consuming the MBG portion," they said.
Despite being discharged from the hospital, the parent mentioned that the student has yet to return to school. "Not returning to school because they are still weak. The school has given permission to rest," they said.
The Secretary of the Cianjur Branch of the Gerindra Party, Hendri Juanda, explained that the Free Nutritious Meals Program in Cianjur Regency has not been officially launched
“It is still in the trial phase initiated by individuals with their own funding," said Hendri, urging all relevant parties to evaluate to allow for a successful launch for the program.
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