Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Authorities in Central Java’s Klaten Regency have declared a public health emergency following a mass food poisoning outbreak that has affected more than 100 residents in Karangturi Village, Gantiwarno District. The incident, which occurred during a traditional wayang (puppet) performance on Sunday (April 13), has left one person dead and dozens hospitalized.
“This has officially been designated an extraordinary event [KLB],” said Hanung Sasmita Wibawa, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Klaten Health Agency, on Tuesday (April 15). “The decision was made based on the large number of victims and the fact that there has been a fatality.”
As of Tuesday, the number of affected individuals had risen to 110. Of those, 37 were referred to local hospitals, 72 were treated as outpatients, and one person has died. The victims reportedly experienced symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever shortly after consuming food served at the traditional wayang (puppet) performance on Sunday (April 13).
The deceased, according to a hospital report, had a pre-existing heart condition that worsened after ingesting what officials suspect was contaminated food.
Authorities believe the poisoning may have been caused by traditional dishes served during the event, such as rendang (a spicy meat stew) and sambal krecek (a spicy stew made with crispy cow skin). Investigators are now looking into whether bacterial contamination was present in the food or water used during the gathering.
Samples of the food have been collected for laboratory testing, and water used in the event is also being examined.
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Local police are working with the Klaten Health Agency to determine the exact cause of the poisoning. Two event organizers have been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We’re still investigating the cause. So far, we’ve taken statements from two witnesses who helped organize the event,” said Klaten Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Iptu Taufik Frida Mustofa.
The incident has raised concerns over food safety at large public gatherings in Indonesia. Authorities are urging event organizers to take greater precautions in food preparation, including selecting quality ingredients and ensuring proper hygiene standards are met.
Officials have pledged to expedite the investigation and provide clear answers to the community regarding what led to the mass food poisoning outbreak.
(Raidi/Agung)
