Former Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Sony Sonjaya Officially Files for Justice Collaborator Status, Naming Over 20 Individuals
The former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya, has officially applied to act as a justice collaborator (JC) in the ongoing investigation into the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme corruption case. Sony was previously named a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) alongside former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana and former Deputy Head Lodewyk Pusung on Wednesday, 3 June.
Sony’s legal counsel, Krisna Murti, confirmed the decision in Jakarta on Monday, 8 June. “We have just returned from the detention centre to obtain a statement from our client, in which he expressed his intention to apply as a JC. We are not attempting to evade legal issues, but rather wish to be cooperative in uncovering everyone involved in this flagship presidential programme,” Krisund stated.
Krisna revealed that during the initial interrogation process, Sony disclosed more than 20 names of individuals suspected of being involved in or benefiting from the corruption of funds within the national programme. However, the number of names is expected to increase, as the list provided so far represents only a small portion of those aware of or benefiting from the budget irregularities.
“More than 20 names were mentioned, but our client stated that this is only a fraction. The examination was temporarily paused because our client was exhausted. He has promised to reveal everything during the follow-up interrogation,” Krisna added.
The Attorney General’s Office has named three suspects in the corruption case involving the management of the MBG programme: former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, and former Deputy Heads Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The trio is accused of manipulating foundations and inflating the prices of goods and services procurement. They face charges under the Criminal Code and the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes.
Zaenur Rohman, a researcher from Pukat UGM, noted that the arrest of several state officials serves as evidence that bureaucratic corruption remains deeply rooted. The Attorney General’s Office began its investigation last week, with the case moving to the investigation stage on Friday, 29 May.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairperson of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), Susilaningtias, stated that her agency has not yet received a formal application for protection from Sony regarding his proposed justice collaborator status.