AGO Defends Detention of Former BGN Deputy Chief, Citing Concerns Over Obstruction of Investigation
The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has refuted claims made by former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Lodewyk Pusung, regarding his arrest. Kejagung assured that the entire legal process against Lodewyk was conducted in accordance with regulations. The statement was made during a pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
Prosecutors stated that the case began with an investigation warrant issued on 15 May 2026. They clarified that the term ‘arrest’ was inaccurate, as the process started with an investigation and was later elevated to the investigation stage on 29 May 2026 following a case review. Kejagung guaranteed that the suspect designation for Lodewyk was based on valid evidence, and he had been examined as a witness beforehand. The suspect determination complied with the Constitutional Court’s requirements, as investigators possessed at least two pieces of valid evidence prior to the designation.
Kejagung also addressed objections regarding the search of Lodewyk’s residence. The search was conducted due to urgent circumstances to secure evidence and prevent its loss, transfer, or destruction. The searches were carried out simultaneously at three locations, including the applicant’s residence.
The detention of Lodewyk was deemed lawful, as he is suspected of violating Article 603 and Article 604 of Law Number 20 of 2025, which carry a penalty of over five years. Prosecutors expressed concern that Lodewyk might obstruct the investigation, citing that his testimony during questioning was inconsistent with the facts, witness statements, documents, and other evidence obtained by investigators. This discrepancy raised reasonable grounds for the detention to prevent hindrance to the ongoing investigation. Kejagung emphasized that all of Lodewyk’s rights as a suspect have been fulfilled and requested the judge to reject the entire pretrial motion.
Lodewyk Pusung was named a suspect in an alleged corruption case related to the management of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. He filed a pretrial motion challenging the suspect designation. In addition to Lodewyk, the AGO has named six other suspects in the case: former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana; former BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya; Asep Yusuf Somantri, an associate of Sony; Andri Mulyono, Commissioner of PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal, the electric motorcycle supplier for BGN; Glory Harimas Sihombing, Chairperson of the Indonesia Food Security Review Foundation; and Lalu Muhammad Iwan, Secretary of the BGN Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation.