Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Nearly 50 members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) reportedly suffered from mass food poisoning while on duty during President Joko Widodo’s visit to the Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya, West Java, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The incident is believed to have occurred after the officers consumed a breakfast of yellow rice following a rehearsal for the presidential visit.
Shortly afterward, several officers began to experience symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. A total of 49 individuals, comprising TNI, Polri, and other security personnel, were affected.
Yusuf Permana, Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media at the Presidential Secretariat, stated that the affected officers are now recovering.
“We coordinated with the regional military commander and the chief of police, along with the medical team. Thankfully, all personnel who experienced health issues have recovered and are back on duty,” Permana said in a statement on Thursday, August 30, 2024.
Permana added that the situation is being closely monitored, with ongoing checks on the condition of those affected. “We continue to track the health status of the security personnel who fell ill during the preparations on the ground.”
As for the investigation into the cause of the suspected food poisoning, Permana noted that the authorities are still awaiting further developments.
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“We are awaiting updates on the exact cause, but food is currently the suspected source,” he explained.
Permana also expressed gratitude to the TNI and Polri personnel for their efforts in ensuring the safety of President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana during their visit to West Java, particularly in Tasikmalaya, Banjar, and Bandung.
(Ray)
