KPK Reveals Obstacles in Investigating Alleged Corruption in Baby Supplementary Food Procurement
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has acknowledged facing obstacles in investigating an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of supplementary food for babies and pregnant women. The KPK explained that the main difficulty lies in locating samples of the supplementary food.
“This has been ongoing for quite some time. What we are currently looking into is obtaining samples,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Saturday (14 March 2026).
Asep stated that samples are essential for conducting testing. He explained that the testing is necessary to identify discrepancies in the nutritional content of the food. “Sample testing of the supplementary food is what we are currently seeking. These are older items. We are searching for them in various companies,” Asep explained.
“We are trying to locate them because we are engaged in scientific investigation. The investigation must utilise scientific methodology, and we need laboratory results to verify whether the deficiencies mentioned actually exist in the products. That is where we are experiencing difficulty,” he added.
For context, the KPK is currently investigating the procurement of supplementary food for babies and pregnant women at the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). The KPK has revealed the modus operandi of the case.
“The government created a programme to provide supplementary food for babies and pregnant women to deliver nutrition to pregnant women and stunted children,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Acting Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, on Wednesday (6 August 2025).
The supplementary food for babies takes the form of biscuits, but the nutritional content was reduced. Additionally, premix—a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and other additives—was also reduced.
“In reality, the nutritional content of these biscuits was reduced. So there is more sugar and flour. As for the premix, its content was reduced,” he stated.
“This not only lowered the nutritional quality of the biscuits but also affected the price. Consequently, the price became cheaper,” he added.
As a result, there was a loss in the procurement process. Pregnant women and babies given this food were not protected from stunting.
“It had no effect on child and pregnant women development, so those who were stunted remained stunted. Pregnant women also remained vulnerable to disease. We may soon make a decision to escalate this to investigation status,” he said.
Based on available information, the investigation into the case began in early 2024. The alleged corruption occurred during the period from 2016 to 2020.
The KPK has not disclosed detailed information about the case involving supplementary food procurement for babies and pregnant women at the Ministry of Health. Asep emphasised that the case is currently in the investigation stage.
“This is still in the investigation phase,” Asep clarified.