House Commission IX Denies Involvement in BGN Corruption, Calls It Hoax

Deputy Chairman of House Commission IX Yahya Zaini has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption surrounding the management of the free nutritious meal programme (MBG). Yahya’s name had previously circulated on social media in a list of more than 20 names. He was claimed to be involved in the MBG corruption case. Yahya also refuted the involvement of other Commission IX members in the corruption allegations. “It is not true, all Commission IX members are not involved in corruption at the BGN. That information is a hoax,” Yahya said when contacted on Wednesday (10/6). Besides Yahya, another name that spread on social media was Commission IX member Irma Chaniago. Irma also denied the information regarding her involvement. Previously, former BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya applied to become a justice collaborator (JC) in the alleged corruption case concerning MBG programme management. Sony’s lawyer, Krisna Murti, stated the JC application was made to assist investigators in uncovering other parties allegedly involved in the case. According to him, during examinations he has undergone, Sony mentioned more than 20 names allegedly connected to the case. In this matter, the Attorney General’s Office has named former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, Sony Sonjaya, and Lodewyk Pusung as suspects. Investigators suspect irregularities occurred in the management of the MBG programme, including the appointment of SPPG partners who did not meet requirements and price mark-ups in a number of goods procurement.