TEMPO.CO, Kupang - A total of 140 junior high school students from SMPN 8 Kupang are suspected of food poisoning after consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. They experienced symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting and were treated at three local hospitals: RSUD SK Lerik, RSU Mamami, and RS Siloam.
Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo emphasized that the students’ health must come first. “Don't rush to find out who's at fault while the children need medical help. They need intravenous fluids, they need stabilization. That's the most important thing right now,” he said on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
He and Forkopimda officials have visited the hospitalized students. Christian stressed that treatment and recovery must be prioritized before conducting a full evaluation.
He noted that no official report on the source of the suspected contaminated food had been received but said he would seek complete data and, if needed, summon related parties for clarification.
“We cannot immediately conclude whether the cause is from vegetables, meat, or rice. Everything must go through medical and laboratory examinations first,” he added. “Doctor's diagnosis is the main basis for subsequent actions.”
Separately, Darius Beda Daton, Head of the NTT Ombudsman Office, said food samples need to be tested by Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) or other health labs to determine whether the poisoning originated from MBG meals or other sources.
He urged the Kupang City Health Office to conduct thorough monitoring, including analyzing symptoms and food samples, to determine whether the case qualifies as an Extraordinary Food Poisoning Incident (KLB).
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