Indonesia detains ex-nutrition agency heads in corruption probe

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has officially detained former National Nutrition Agency (BGN) head Dadan Hindayana, along with two former deputy heads, Sony Sanjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. They are designated as suspects in a corruption case involving the mismanagement of the 'Free Nutritious Meal' (MBG) program.

According to the Director of Investigation for Special Crimes, Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, the suspects allegedly enriched themselves through partner foundations of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). These foundations managed production kitchens and supplied the MBG program across various regions. The investigation revealed two primary methods of corruption: receiving funds through these partner foundations and inflating the budget for procurement of goods and services within BGN.

Syarief stated that some of the foundations appointed as SPPG partners were found to be linked to the suspects. These foundations received approval and verification despite not meeting the required qualifications. The MBG program is a national priority, with a budget of Rp85.27 trillion in 2025, increasing to Rp268 trillion in 2026. BGN is responsible for verifying and approving the establishment of SPPGs or kitchens supplying nutritious meals to beneficiary schools.

"The MBG program should have been managed by foundations at each school. But in fact, the foundations appointed as SPPG partners were used as a means of crime and were affiliated with officials or employees of BGN. Even though the three suspects knew these foundations did not meet the requirements as SPPG partners," Syarief explained. The investigation also uncovered that the suspects owned their own foundations or affiliated foundations to establish and manage the SPPG kitchens supplying the MBG program.

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The MBG program should have been managed by foundations at each school. But in fact, the foundations appointed as SPPG partners were used as a means of crime and were affiliated with officials or employees of BGN. Even though the three suspects knew these foundations did not meet the requirements as SPPG partners.