BGN Deputy Head for Public Communication and Investigations Nanik Sudaryati Deyang said on Saturday the agency had taken immediate action, including suspending the kitchen responsible for preparing the meals.
“We apologize for this incident. BGN will cover all medical expenses for the victims,” she said in Jakarta.
To prevent similar cases, the agency halted operations at the SPPG kitchen in Pondok Kelapa indefinitely.
“We have suspended the facility due to substandard conditions, including the absence of a proper wastewater treatment system,” Deyang said.
The incident was first reported on Friday (April 3), after teachers and students experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea and nausea following the consumption of meals distributed a day earlier.
The menu included spaghetti Bolognese, meatballs, scrambled eggs, tofu, mixed vegetables and strawberries.
Preliminary findings suggest the food may not have been served under optimal conditions.
Deyang said a prolonged delay between cooking and distribution likely reduced food quality and increased health risks.
BGN said it would tighten supervision and ensure stricter compliance with food safety standards across all program kitchens.
The agency emphasized that the incident would serve as an evaluation to improve operational procedures.
Separately, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed that 72 people were receiving treatment at three hospitals.
Speaking at Duren Sawit Regional Hospital in East Jakarta, he said the affected individuals had received meals distributed to four schools, including one senior high school and three elementary schools.
He added that the Jakarta administration would coordinate closely with BGN and health facilities to ensure proper treatment and monitoring.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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