Barelang Police and National Nutrition Agency Uncover Alleged Fraud in Free Nutritious Meal Program Sites
The Batam-Rempang-Galang City Police (Polresta Barelang), in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has uncovered an alleged fraud involving the sale of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) sites for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Batam, Riau Islands.
Deputy Chief of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Brigadier General Anom Wibowo, stated that the case is currently under investigation. The police are working alongside the BGN to educate the public regarding this fraudulent modus operandi.
“This only involves the transaction stage. The sites were offered, but no decision has been made by the BGN, as this is indeed a fraudulent method,” Anom said in Batam on Saturday. He added that the SPPG kitchens involved in the case have not yet been constructed.
He noted that this case serves as a warning for the public to remain vigilant against parties offering SPPG sites under specific agreements. The complainant reported alleged fraud and embezzlement committed by a suspect identified by the initials HM. The complainant felt defrauded after HM allegedly sold two SPPG sites for Rp200 million per site under the name of the Gema Solidaritas Nusantara Foundation.
Investigations revealed that the funds transferred by the complainant to the suspect reached Rp400 million. However, upon verification, the offered SPPG sites did not belong to the suspect. It is alleged that HM used the name of a former foundation official, RD, to offer the sites to the victim. However, RD no longer has any affiliation with the foundation or the BGN.
“The foundation does indeed have seven official sites from the BGN. However, RD is no longer an official and has no connection to the BGN,” he stated. An investigation is scheduled to determine whether the case should be escalated to the formal investigation stage, provided at least two pieces of evidence are found to confirm a criminal offence.
At the same event, the Deputy Head of Operations for Nutrition Fulfilment at the BGN, Sony Sonjaya, expressed appreciation for the police’s actions in investigating the case.
“Please ensure this case is closely monitored. I also want to emphasise that the application process for SPPG sites is conducted online and is free of charge,” he said. “This is a noble programme. It should not be tainted by individuals exploiting verified sites or using various methods for personal gain,” Sony added.