Prabowo Aware of 'Thieves' Infiltrating Free Nutritious Meal Programme: Inspect All Kitchens

President Prabowo Subianto is aware that many people have infiltrated the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in order to steal from it.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of five dams in West Lombok on Friday (10/7).

“But we understand and we are aware that many have slipped into the body of the MBG programme to become thieves there,” Prabowo said.

To that end, Prabowo ordered the authorities not to hesitate in investigating abuses of authority and legal violations related to his flagship programme.

“Therefore I ask governors, regents, district heads and village heads to inspect all MBG kitchens. Please inspect them. Report to the Head of the BGN. If necessary, report to me,” he continued.

“Military district commanders, police chiefs and precinct heads, please inspect. Inspect in the spirit of doing good. Do not summon people just to shake them down. Do not!” he stressed.

According to Prabowo, the Indonesian people are now increasingly astute. He also hoped the public would continue to monitor the implementation of the MBG programme.

“I have been an Indonesian for a long time. Summoning people demanding kickbacks. Let the people watch. The people are not stupid now. The people have gadgets,” he said.

“But indeed, there are always people who want to steal, I am baffled too,” he continued.

Regarding the MBG programme, the Attorney General’s Office is currently handling an alleged corruption case involving several former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the body responsible for implementing the programme.

At least seven people have been named suspects in the alleged corruption case surrounding the governance of the MBG programme.

They are former Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana; former Deputy Heads of BGN Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung; private individual Asep Yusuf Somantri; Commissioner of PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal, Andri Mulyono.

Also named are Chairman of the Indonesia Food Security Review Foundation, Glory Harimas Sihombing, and Secretary of the Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation at BGN, Police Brigadier General Lalu Muhammad Irwan Mahardan.