Former nutrition agency official requests presence at pre-trial hearing for corruption charges

Lodewyk Pusung, a former deputy head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and a suspect in a corruption case concerning the "Free Nutritious Meal" (MBG) program, has formally requested to attend his pre-trial hearing. The hearing is scheduled to commence at the South Jakarta District Court.

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I did not engage in the procurement of goods and services as accused by the Attorney General's Office. I consider these accusations slander. I also never committed or approved the sale and purchase of MBG kitchen points as accused.

Pusung conveyed his request through a letter shared by his legal counsel, Otto Cornelis Kaligis, following the initial hearing on Monday, July 27. In his letter, Pusung stated his desire to be present to explain the facts of the case, asserting that he was not involved in any procurement activities as alleged by the Attorney General's Office. He described the accusations as slander and maintained that he executed the MBG program according to procedures and legal mandates given by President Prabowo Subianto.

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I implemented the MBG program in accordance with procedures and legal provisions as mandated by President Prabowo Subianto to me.

Kaligis, representing Pusung, is seeking a court declaration that the legal proceedings initiated by the Attorney General's Office, including the arrest, detention, and designation of Pusung as a suspect, are unlawful and void. The defense team aims to have all related documents and decisions issued by the Director of Investigation of the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes invalidated. They are also requesting the court to order the Attorney General's Office to release Pusung from detention and restore all his legal rights.

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Therefore, based on the above explanation, may the sole judge Abdul Affandi grant my presence, so that I can explain the true facts and order the investigative team of the Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Indonesia to bring me to the pre-trial hearing.