A widespread food poisoning incident has impacted hundreds of students participating in a government-sponsored nutrition program in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. Health authorities report that 427 students have developed symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and weakness after consuming free meals provided through the state-sanctioned program.
The affected students represent multiple educational institutions throughout the region, spanning from preschool facilities to elementary schools.
Students began experiencing symptoms on Wednesday, August 27, following consumption of meals that included noodles, meatballs, vegetables, milk, and eggs. The standardized menu was distributed across participating schools as part of the regional nutrition initiative designed to support student health and academic performance.
Medical facilities responded quickly, with the majority of affected students receiving treatment at Lebong Regional General Hospital since Wednesday morning. Hospital admissions have continued to increase as additional cases are identified and reported by school administrators and parents.
Bengkulu’s Deputy Governor conducted an official visit to hospitalized students, announcing immediate measures to address the healthcare response. The provincial government has committed to expanding emergency medicine supplies specifically for the affected students.
Officials confirmed that the provincial health department received instructions to increase pharmaceutical reserves in Lebong. While existing medical supplies were deemed sufficient for 100 patients, authorities opted to augment stocks as a precautionary measure against potential complications or additional cases.
The regional government has mobilized resources to ensure comprehensive medical care for all affected students. Officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining optimal treatment conditions throughout the recovery process.
Government officials identified hospital bed capacity as the primary logistical challenge during the initial response phase. The sudden influx of patients strained existing accommodation resources at the regional medical facility.
Local authorities collaborated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to address the capacity shortage. The agency provided additional mattresses and bedding materials to accommodate the increased patient load, ensuring adequate rest facilities for recovering students.
This is another in a line of food poisoning incidents to have plagued Indonesia’s free school meal programs this year. Multiple cases were reported in January and February of 2025. Another 300 school children were sickened in April.
The coordinated response in this latest incident involves both provincial and local government levels, with officials working to maintain sufficient medical supplies and healthcare infrastructure.
Authorities have expressed confidence in the recovery prospects for affected students, citing the combined support of enhanced medicine supplies from provincial sources and expanded healthcare facilities at the regency level.
