Central Java DPRD Speaker Denies Involvement in Alleged Free Nutritious Meal Corruption, Claims Not Knowing Sony Sonjaya

The Speaker of the Central Java Provincial DPRD, Sumanto, has denied involvement in the alleged corruption case concerning the management of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Besides denying involvement in the alleged corruption within the MBG management, Sumanto also admitted he does not know the former deputy head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya, who is now a suspect. The denial was conveyed by Sumanto after several social media posts mentioning his involvement in the case went viral. “The circulating information is completely untrue. The MBG matter is entirely under central authority. I also do not know Mr Sony Sonjaya,” Sumanto said in his statement on Wednesday (10/6/2026). Sumanto admitted he was shocked when the position he currently holds was mentioned or dragged into the alleged corruption case of the MBG programme. He argued that the mention of his position in various social media posts and chain messages was not based on accountable facts. Sumanto claimed he has never communicated with Sony Sonjaya. Therefore, he asked the public not to easily believe information whose truth has not been verified. According to him, the spread of inaccurate information has the potential to cause misunderstandings and harm parties whose names are used without basis. “I emphasise once again, I am not involved and do not know the person concerned (Sony Sonjaya). I have never been in contact or involved in matters related to that case,” said Sumanto. Nevertheless, he stated he will still respect the ongoing legal process. “We respect the ongoing legal process. Let the authorities work professionally based on existing facts and evidence,” he said.