Central Java DPRD Speaker Denies Involvement in Free Nutritious Meal Corruption: 'I Do Not Know Sony Sanjaya'

The Speaker of the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Sumanto, has responded to his name appearing in a viral post containing a list of people accused of involvement in corruption related to the management of the Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG). Sumanto claims he does not know former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya, who is now a suspect.

The news went viral on social media after being uploaded by the Threads account @suzan18076. The account revealed the names of people allegedly involved in the MBG corruption. The post mentioned several names of politicians and officials. Within that list, the name of the Speaker of the Central Java DPRD was written.

When asked for confirmation, Sumanto denied the news. He admitted he has no connection with Sony Sonjaya, who is now a suspect in the alleged MBG corruption case. “The circulating information is completely untrue. The MBG matter is entirely under the central government’s authority. I also do not know Mr. Sony Sanjaya,” Sumanto said in a written statement.

He denied being among the politicians and officials accused of involvement in determining SPPG points in several regions. “The implementation of the MBG programme is the authority of the central government through the appointed agency. Therefore, this accusation has no basis,” he clarified.

Sumanto admitted he was surprised when the position of Central Java DPRD Speaker was linked to the case, which is now a matter of public attention. He believes that the mention of his position in various social media posts and chain messages is not based on accountable facts. “Up to now, I have never communicated with or had a working relationship with Sony Sonjaya,” he said.

Sumanto then assessed that the accusations directed at him were merely speculation without clear evidence. He also urged the public not to easily believe unverified information. “Especially that which circulates through social media and chat applications,” he said.

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 I do not know the person concerned. I have never been connected to or involved in matters relating to that case,” he stated.