Justice Minister Comments on Dadan and Others Named Suspects in Free Nutritious Meal Programme Mismanagement
“We leave it entirely to the law enforcement agencies. This means the President will always remind everyone regarding matters related to such issues,” Supratman stated at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
Supratman referenced President Prabowo Subianto, who has previously reminded his officials not to engage in unlawful activities. He noted that Dadan and his associates have the right to defend themselves, as the principle of the presumption of innocence applies under the law.
“In principle, we are a state governed by law. The President has repeatedly warned against engaging in improper actions. We are currently still in the stage of the presumption of innocence, so we leave it to the established mechanisms and law enforcement agencies,” he added.
It is reported that the former Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, along with two former Deputy Heads, Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, have been detained by the Attorney General’s Office. The three individuals were detained after being named suspects in the alleged corruption involving the management of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.
“The investigation concerns the alleged criminal acts of corruption in the management of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme within the National Nutrition Agency for the 2025-2026 period,” said Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, Director of Investigation at the Attorney General’s Office’s Special Crimes Division, during a press conference in South Jakarta on Wednesday (3/6).
He stated that the investigation was conducted based on an order dated 29 May 2026. The designation of suspects followed the examination of the three individuals as witnesses.
“Following these examinations, DH, SS, and LP were interrogated as witnesses. Based on sufficient evidence obtained by the investigative team, the team has named DH, as Head of the National Nutrition Agency, SS, as Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency for Operational Nutrition Fulfilment, and LP, as Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency for Organisational Development and Institutional Relations, as suspects in the investigation of alleged corruption in the management of the Free Nutritious Meal programme,” Syarief explained.
Dadan, Sony, and Lodewyk were removed from their positions at the BGN by President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (2/6). All three are currently in custody by the Attorney General’s Office.