Prabowo Expresses Sorrow Over Dismissal of BGN Officials Amid Corruption Probe
President Prabowo Subiandum Subianto has spoken out regarding three senior officials of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) who, just one day after being dismissed, were named suspects by the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung). The individuals implicated in the corruption of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme include Dadan Hindayana, Sony Sonjaya, and Lodewyk Pusung.
Prabowo admitted his sadness at being forced to remove Dadan, Sony, and Lodewyk from their positions within the BGN. “In truth, I am sad right now. I cannot hide that I am in a state of sadness. Because I was forced to replace people whom I truly care for, people I trusted, and people to whom I entrusted a very heavy duty for the nation,” Prabowo stated during a briefing at the Consolidation Meeting for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme at the Sentul International Convention Centre (SICC), Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.
He added that he would refrain from extensive commentary as the individuals are facing legal investigations, noting that further comments might appear to influence the process. During the event, Prabowo explained the reasoning behind his decision to remove the officials from their core positions at the BGN.
He also referenced a message from his late father, Professor Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who advised him that in moments of confusion or doubt, decisions must always be made in the interest of the people. “It is clear that replacing them is not easy for me. But I remember the words of my late father, Prof. Sumitro, who once told me, ‘Prabowo, if one day you are in confusion or doubt, remember! Always side with your people’,” Prabowo said, met with applause from the attendees.
The event was attended by thousands of participants, including members of the Indonesian Development Driver Graduates (SPPI), MBG kitchen managers, and programme partners. Prabowo revealed that he had received reports of potential irregularities from BGN leadership some time ago, prompting him to cross-check these reports with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).
Prabowo declared his commitment to maintaining the integrity and success of his flagship programme, emphasising that there is no room for deviation or abuse of trust. “I told them it was difficult for me [to dismiss Dadan and others]. When I signed the order, it was heavy. These are people I appointed, people I gave honours and ranks to,” said Prabrot.
He asserted that the state would not hesitate to take firm action against anyone attempting to misuse the people’s mandate. “I do not want the people’s money to be stolen. I do not want the people’s money to be stolen. And there are no exceptions,” he emphasised.
The dismissal of Dadan, Sony, and Lodewyk was announced by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi on Tuesday night, citing disciplinary violations in the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal programme. To replace Dadan, Prabowo appointed BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang as the new Head of the BGN. Agustina Arum Sari and Major General Trenggono were appointed as Deputy Heads to replace Sony and Lodewyk.
Following the dismissals, the Attorney General’s Office conducted searches at the BGN offices and several other locations. Dadan and his colleagues were subsequently taken to the Attorney General’s Office for questioning as witnesses before being officially named suspects on Wednesday evening. The suspects were seen in pink detainee vests and were transported to the Salemba Detention Centre as part of the ongoing investigation.