Former Head of National Nutrition Agency Named Suspect in Free Nutritious Meal Programme Corruption Case

The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has officially named the former Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindlyana, along with two deputies, Lodewyk Pusung and Sonny Sanjaya, as suspects in a corruption case involving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme for the 2025-2026 period. The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in programme management, including procurement mark-ups and the involvement of fictitious foundations.

Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, Director of Investigation at the Jampidsus division of the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed that the suspects were identified following a series of examinations and the discovery of sufficient evidence. The three suspects were seen being transported to detention centres in pink vests, where they will be held for 20 days at the Salemba detention facility.

This legal action follows the dismissal of Dadan Hindayana by President Prabowo on Tuesday night. The Catholic Youth (Pemuda Katolik) organisation has expressed support for the Attorney General’s swift enforcement, stating that such actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption within priority programmes. However, groups such as Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) and the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) have noted that the removal of top officials may not resolve the underlying issues of conflict of interest and potential systemic corruption inherent in the programme’s design.

The investigation is also expected to uncover further irregularities, including allegations regarding the illegal trading of Nutrition Service Delivery Units (SPPG).