Duren Sawit Students Poisoned by MBG Gradually Recover, Pramono: Almost All Have Been Sent Home

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the condition of dozens of students who were poisoned after consuming a free nutritious meal program (MBG) in the Pondok Kelapa area, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, was gradually improving. Most of them were said to have been allowed to go home from the hospital.

The poisoning incident previously affected 72 students and had received attention because of the large number of victims. Pramono even had a chance to directly review the condition of the students at Duren Sawit Hospital.

"Almost all the students have been sent home, yes, almost all, most of them. Regarding the last position, frankly I will check again, but it is clear that if you look at the development, hopefully everything will be back," said Pramono in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Monday, April 6.

He ensured that the health development of students showed a positive trend. Based on the latest monitoring, the majority of victims have recovered and returned to normal conditions.

Regarding the cause of the poisoning, Pramono said it was the responsibility of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to conduct further investigations. However, from the results of his dialogue with the students, there were initial allegations regarding the source of the food consumed.

"Regarding the potential of what caused the poisoning, of course this is the authority of MBG (BGN). But all the children at that time when they had a dialogue with me they said that it was most likely from spaghetti," said Pramono.

Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) suspended the operation of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) Pondok Kelapa 2, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, after the alleged poisoning of Free Nutrition Meal (MBG) which affected 72 students.

Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, when confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday said that in addition to the case, BGN also found that the SPPG had not met the operational procedures set by BGN.

"In addition, SPPG Pondok Kelapa was suspended (temporarily suspended) for an indefinite period, because the condition of the kitchen, including the layout and Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) still does not meet the standards," he said.

Nanik emphasized that BGN also bears the cost of treatment for all students who have now been directed to the Duren Sawit Regional Specialty Hospital (RSKD), East Jakarta.

"We apologize for this incident. BGN will also be responsible for all medical expenses at the hospital," said Nanik.