Tofu Dumplings Suspected in Mass Food Poisoning of Students in Jakarta

Jakarta – Hundreds of students in East Jakarta have fallen ill, with health authorities suspecting a popular menu item from the free nutritious meal program, known as MBG, as the culprit. The incident, which saw students from several schools in Cakung experiencing symptoms after consuming their midday meals on Friday, has once again cast a shadow over the MBG project's implementation.

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Dugaan (keracunan pangan) dari fisik makanan berasal dari sajian pangsit tahu.

The menu, which included chicken noodles, crispy mushrooms, tofu dumplings, and watermelon, was provided by the Pulogebang Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit. However, it was the pangsit tahu, or tofu dumplings, that health officials are now focusing on as the likely source of the food poisoning. Samples have been collected and sent for urgent laboratory analysis, with results anticipated early next week.

According to the Jakarta Health Agency, at least 252 students reported experiencing symptoms. While many parents opted not to seek formal medical care for what they perceived as mild symptoms, 188 students did receive medical attention, and 26 remain hospitalized. This outbreak is not an isolated event; it adds to a disturbing trend of food poisoning incidents linked to the MBG project, with a watchdog group, the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), reporting over 21,000 victims since 2025.

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Saat ini masih ada 26 murid yang dirawat di beberapa rumah sakit.

JPPI's National Coordinator, Ubaid Matraji, has voiced strong criticism, stating that the continued occurrence of such incidents indicates that the MBG project is being rushed without adequate food safety standards. This perspective from local watchdogs highlights a deep-seated concern among Indonesian civil society regarding the oversight and execution of large-scale government programs, particularly those aimed at child welfare. The focus here is not just on the immediate health crisis, but on the systemic issues that allow such events to recur, suggesting a need for greater accountability and stricter safety protocols.

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Masih adanya kasus keracunan membuktikan proyek MBG masih kejar tayang tanpa diiringi standar keamanan pangan yang jelas.