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Gibran Rakabuming visits Batang following mass food poisoning incident
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Batang Regency, Central Java, on September 28, 2026, to oversee the response to a mass food poisoning incident linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
Official data from the Batang District Health Office indicates that 674 people in the Bawang district have been affected by the suspected poisoning. As of the reporting period, 34 patients remain under medical care at RSUD Batang, RSUD Limpung, and Puskesmas Bawang, while many others are receiving outpatient treatment.
During his visit to various medical facilities and schools, the Vice President emphasized that medical care for all victims must be a priority until they fully recover. He also guaranteed that the government will cover all medical expenses to ensure families do not face financial burdens.
Gibran has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the cause of the poisoning and has demanded a thorough evaluation of the MBG program's food safety protocols, including hygiene, processing, storage, and distribution. He also instructed local authorities to appoint a cross-sector coordinator to manage the ongoing health, education, and family support needs of those affected.
Entities
Ahmad Luthfi · Batang · Batang Regency · Bawang District · Gibran Rakabuming · Gibran Rakabuming Raka · Jawa Tengah · Makan Bergizi Gratis · Makan Bergizi Gratis program
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] An investigation into the cause of the poisoning is currently underway. www.matamata.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Vice President demanded that investigation results be shared transparently with the public. www.matamata.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The government will cover all medical expenses for the victims. www.matamata.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited Batang Regency to oversee the handling of suspected food poisoning victims. www.matamata.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A comprehensive evaluation of food safety supervision is required, covering hygiene, processing, storage, and distribution. www.matamata.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] As of September 28, 2026, at 07:00 WIB, 674 people have been affected by suspected food poisoning in Bawang, Batang. disway.id · www.antaranews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The government will cover all medical expenses for the victims to ensure families are not financially burdened. malutpost.id · www.nu.or.id · www.rri.co.id · www.matamata.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Vice President called for a comprehensive evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, focusing on food safety supervision. majalahindonesia.id · www.matamata.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] 34 patients remain hospitalized at RSUD Batang, RSUD Limpung, and Puskesmas Bawang. www.nu.or.id · jatengprov.go.id
- [● 4 SOURCES] Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka demanded that the investigation be completed quickly and its results be shared transparently. majalahindonesia.id · malutpost.id · www.matamata.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Vice President instructed the Regent of Batang to appoint a cross-sector coordinator to manage health, education, and family needs. www.antaranews.com