Newly Named MBG Corruption Suspect: Sony Sonjaya's Letter to New BGN Head Sparks Controversy
As the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) continues to uncover alleged corruption regarding the management of the 2025-2026 Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, a post from the former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya, has suddenly come under scrutiny. This follows Sony’s official designation as a suspect in a case that also involves the former Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, and former Deputy Head, Lodewyt Pusung.
Via his personal Instagram account, Sony uploaded a handwritten letter addressed to the new Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang. While the message appeared simple, one particular sentence regarding a ‘gift’ has drawn significant public attention. ‘To the Honourable: Mrs Nanik S. Deyang. Congratulations on your new position as Head of BGN. Thank you for the beautiful gift given to me,’ the post read, as reported on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
The post appeared on the same day that investigators from the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) named Sony as a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving the management of the 2025-2026 MBG programme. In addition to the brief note, Sony included a personal message offering congratulations and prayers for Nanik, who now leads the agency he once served.
‘It is a happiness to see a good friend and colleague receive a greater mandate to serve the nation. Congratulations on your new position as Head of the National Nutrition Agency. May you always be granted health, strength, and ease in carrying out your duties. Continue to be an individual who brings benefits to many. My best prayers always accompany every step of service for Indonesia,’ Sony wrote.
The emergence of this post has sparked various speculations, given that it was made amidst ongoing legal proceedings. Investigators are still expanding the investigation into the case, which is suspected of causing significant losses to state finances. When asked for a response regarding her client’s post, Sony’s lawyer, Elza Syarief, declined to provide a detailed explanation, stating that her current position is limited as she has not yet had the opportunity to meet Sony directly following his designation as a suspect.