Hundreds of Islamic Boarding School Students in Demak Suffer Poisoning After Consuming Free Nutritious Meal Program

Hundreds of santri (Islamic boarding school students) and vulnerable residents in Demak Regency, Central Java, experienced mass poisoning after consuming meals from the Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meal) program. The incident, which began to take effect by Sunday, April 19, 2026, sent the victims arriving at various health facilities with digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. Data from the Kebonagung Community Health Center shows the victims were from several Islamic boarding schools. Bustanul Quran Islamic Boarding School reported 68 victims (23 referred to PKU Gubug Hospital, 12 to Getas Pendowo Hospital), Asnawiyah Islamic Boarding School 97 victims (24 treated at Getas Pendowo Hospital, 6 at PKU Gubug Hospital), and Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School 10 victims. The Head of Kebonagung Community Health Center, Arief Setiawan, stated that most of the patients were seeing digestive symptoms. The victims are being handled at several community health centers and hospitals within Demak. Investigation into the meal menu of the MBG program is now the main focus in dealing with this case. https://www.urbanjabar.com/news/9217020241/ratusan-santri-keracunan-mbg-di-demak-sppg-dipasang-garis-polisi-menu-makanan-jadi-sorotan