Indonesia's Nutrition Program Funding Continues Amid Corruption Probe

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has refuted claims that the distribution of funds for its "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) program has been stopped. This clarification follows reports that investigators from the Attorney General's Office are looking into allegations of a bribery scheme involving the sale of permits for MBG kitchens, which has led to the naming of three former senior BGN officials as suspects.

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We emphasize that the information stating that BGN ordered the cessation of MBG kitchen operations is untrue.

BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang stated that information suggesting an official order to halt MBG kitchen operations is false. She emphasized that no official policy or instruction has been issued to cease operations. However, Deyang acknowledged that administrative complexities exist within the MBG program's budget disbursement process. She expressed confidence that these issues do not diminish the government's commitment to the MBG program, which is currently expanding to various regions.

The investigation by the Attorney General's Office centers on allegations that certain foundations, despite not meeting the required qualifications, were granted permits to manage Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). Investigators are examining the flow of money from these foundations to BGN officials. The suspects include former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana and two former deputy heads, Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The Director of Investigation for the Attorney General's Office, Syarief Sulaeman, indicated that the suspects, holding significant authority within BGN, played a role in enabling unqualified foundations to become partners.

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So there are foundations that are actually not eligible to receive or be partners of BGN. But then why did they become partners? This means there was a role from each of these suspects.

BGN is urging all partners, foundations, SPPG managers, suppliers, and the public to adhere strictly to official information from the agency. "If there are any obstacles in the field, we ask all partners to coordinate through official channels. Do not use information that does not originate from official sources as a basis for operational decisions," Nanik S. Deyang said. The agency is committed to ensuring the smooth distribution of MBG benefits to recipients and maintaining the program's continuity.

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If there are any obstacles in the field, we ask all partners to coordinate through official channels. Do not use information that does not originate from official sources as a basis for operational decisions.