Papua MBG Program E. coli Outbreak Hits Over 500

A mass food poisoning incident linked to the free "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) program has affected at least 527 people in the Depapre district of Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia. Victims, ranging from toddlers to schoolchildren and adults, reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and severe weakness after consuming the meals. Laboratory tests confirmed contamination with the bacterium Escherichia coli in the distributed food, including watermelon and other items.

Acting provincial health chief Dr. Berii Wopari said, "Jumlah akumulasi pasien sejak 4-6 Agustus mencapai 527 orang," while Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed the lab results, stating, "Laporannya dan hasil lab sudah ada." The National Nutrition Agency head Sudaryono attributed the contamination to premature cooking schedules. In response, the agency suspended operations of the MBG kitchen run by Yayasan Kasih Iman Samuel. Local hospitals, notably RSUD Yowari, were overwhelmed and set up an emergency tent to treat patients under a triage system.