According to Sri, the main concern is not simply the occurrence of food poisoning cases, but the lack of transparency regarding the findings of previous investigations.
The organisation claims that education funds originally intended to improve the quality of education are instead being diverted to finance the government's flagship programme.
Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion, Dedi Kurnia Syah, said the direction of coalition-building for the 2029 election has yet to become clear.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka apologized to children and families affected by suspected food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in Batang, Central Java.
During a visit to RSUD Limpung and Bawang Community Health Center on Monday (Sept. 28, 2026), Gibran checked on patients and stressed that their recovery should remain the government's top priority. (suara.com)
"Patients who are still receiving treatment must continue to receive medical care until they recover. Residents who have been discharged but experience recurring symptoms must also have easy access to follow-up examinations," Gibran said.
At RSUD Limpung, Gibran spoke with Arsenio, a child who had been receiving treatment for four days. Arsenio said he was feeling better and was no longer experiencing diarrhea, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
Gibran encouraged him to return to school once he had fully recovered.
"Okay. School tomorrow, all right?" Gibran said.
At Bawang Community Health Center, Gibran also met Eka Maria Zulfa, a teacher at SDN Pasusukan who had eaten the meal suspected of causing the illness. Eka told him she was still experiencing stomach pain and cramps.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am, about what happened. Please rest first and make sure you are fully recovered," Gibran said.
Gibran also assured victims and their families that they would not have to bear the cost of medical treatment.
"The cost of treatment for victims must not burden their families. The government is responsible and will cover all medical expenses and ensure that the mechanism works at every health facility," he said.
He instructed officials to monitor both medical treatment and the payment mechanism at the health facilities treating victims. Patients were also not to be discharged before their medical condition had fully recovered. (suara.com)
The government is still investigating the cause of the suspected food poisoning. Gibran has called for the investigation to be completed promptly and its findings disclosed transparently, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of food safety standards, including hygiene, preparation time, storage, distribution and on-site supervision. (suara.com)
Earlier, the Batang administration said it would cover treatment costs for the victims. Initial data on Sept. 24 recorded 276 people affected, although the number was still subject to change as additional patients sought treatment. (antaranews.com)
