Officials debunk viral claims after food poisoning incident sparks widespread public concern
Public anxiety surged in Kudus after viral claims linked a student’s death to Indonesia’s free nutritious meal program. Authorities have now stepped in to set the record straight and prevent further misinformation.
Hoax Claims Surround Student’s Death
The Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) Purwosari in Kudus, Central Java, has firmly denied circulating claims that a student from SMAN 2 Kudus died after consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meal Program, known locally as Makan Bergizi Gratis or MBG. The clarification was issued on February 3, 2026, following viral misinformation on social media.
Official Clarification From Authorities
SPPG Purwosari head Nasihul Umam stated that reports linking the death of student Rizza Meiliana Azzahara to the MBG program were false and constituted a hoax. According to the official statement, there was no causal relationship between the student’s passing and the government-backed nutrition initiative.
Long-Standing Medical Condition Explained
Nasihul explained that Rizza had been battling nasopharyngeal cancer since eighth grade and required intensive medical treatment. She underwent routine chemotherapy at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital in Semarang, which significantly limited her ability to attend school activities over the past year.
Student Was Not an MBG Recipient
Due to her medical condition, Rizza had not actively attended school since January 2025. As a result, she was not registered as a recipient of the MBG food packages. Her limited school attendance was confined to November 2025, when she briefly appeared for examinations.
Food Poisoning Incident Sparks Confusion
The misinformation emerged amid heightened concern following a separate incident involving 131 students from SMAN 2 Kudus who experienced food poisoning after consuming MBG meals on January 29, 2026. Medical teams treated all affected students, with 47 requiring hospitalization for further observation.
Call for Responsible Information Sharing
Nasihul urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, particularly when it involves the health and safety of students. Authorities emphasized that conflating unrelated incidents could undermine public trust in nutrition programs designed to support student welfare.
This clarification underscores the importance of accurate reporting during public health incidents. For communities in Indonesia and neighboring Singapore, the case highlights how quickly misinformation can spread during crises and why transparent communication from authorities remains essential to maintaining public confidence in social welfare programs.
Sources: Espos (2026) , Tempo (2026)
Keywords: Free Nutritious Meal Program, Kudus Students, Food Poisoning Case, Public Health Clarification
