Teen suffers memory loss after Indonesian school-meal poisoning
Indonesia's flagship free school-meals program is facing growing criticism after more students suffer food poisoning, prompting calls for legal action and greater accountability.
A 16-year-old student from North Sumatra, Febiola Purba, suffered memory loss and other neurological issues following the consumption of contaminated meals as part of Indonesia's nationwide free school meal program, MBG. The incident occurred on August 13, 2025, when Febiola consumed fish dishes at her vocational high school in Karo Regency.
She collapsed upon returning home, requiring hospitalization. Febiola's father, Icuk Sugiarto Purba, reported that his daughter could no longer recognize her family members, including her own father. The North Sumatra Provincial Health Laboratory found harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in food samples distributed through the MBG program, raising concerns over food safety protocols.
The agency responsible for MBG, led by Sudaryono, has been criticized for not implementing necessary safeguards. Legal organizations have filed complaints against the National Nutrition Agency, Finance Ministry, and President Prabowo Subianto, arguing that the government has failed to address systemic problems despite repeated incidents.
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