VP Gibran Apologizes for Batang Food Poisoning

RRI.CO.ID, Batang – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming apologized to children and families affected by a suspected food poisoning incident in Batang Regency, Central Java, on Monday, September 28, 2026. He assured that all victims would receive optimal medical treatment until they recovered and would not have to bear the cost of their medical care.

During the visit, Gibran reviewed the condition of patients being treated at Limpung Regional General Hospital and Bawang Community Health Center. "The first priority is the health of the victims," he said firmly, as quoted by the Indonesian Vice Presidential Secretariat.

"Patients who are still receiving treatment must receive care until they recover, while residents who have been discharged but whose symptoms return must continue to have easy access to follow-up examinations," the Vice President added.

At Limpung Regional General Hospital, Vice President Gibran spoke with a child patient, Arsenio, who had been receiving treatment for four days. Gibran asked about his condition, and Arsenio said he was feeling better and was no longer experiencing diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

In addition to children, several adults were also receiving treatment following the incident. One of them was Eka Nurkhayanti, a teacher at Pasusukan Elementary School who had also tasted the food suspected of being contaminated.

When visiting Eka at Bawang Community Health Center, Gibran asked about her condition. Eka said she was still experiencing abdominal pain and cramping.

Gibran apologized for what had happened and asked Eka to rest until she had fully recovered. "I apologize, Ma’am, for what happened. Please rest for now and make sure you are fully recovered," he said.

In addition to ensuring medical treatment, Gibran stressed that victims' families must not be burdened by medical expenses. The government, he said, would ensure that all treatment costs were covered through the applicable coverage mechanisms.

"The victims' medical expenses must not burden their families. The government is responsible and will cover all medical treatment costs and ensure that the mechanism works at all healthcare facilities," he added.

To ensure this, Gibran instructed relevant officials to directly monitor the medical treatment and cost-coverage process at each healthcare facility. He also stressed that all victims should receive treatment according to their medical needs and should not be discharged until they have fully recovered.

"Make sure the cost coverage mechanism is actually working on the ground. No family should be asked to pay for examinations or medicines or be told to go home early when they have not fully recovered," he concluded.