Indonesian ex-official to reveal names in nutrition program graft case

A former Indonesian official, Sony Sonjaya, is poised to become a key witness in a corruption investigation into a government-funded nutrition program. Sonjaya, formerly the deputy head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has agreed to cooperate as a Justice Collaborator, his lawyer Krisna Murti announced.

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According to my client, it clearly involves figures from executive and legislative circles. My client is ready to reveal everything.

Murti stated that his client is ready to expose "big names" allegedly involved in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program's governance. These individuals, he claimed, come from both executive and legislative branches. The lawyer indicated that Sonjaya felt pressured by these influential figures.

The Attorney General's Office has already named Sonjaya, along with former BGN head Dadan Hindayana and Lodewyk Pusung, as suspects. The investigation centers on the alleged mismanagement of the MBG program, where foundations affiliated with BGN officials reportedly received billions of rupiah daily, despite not meeting the criteria to be program partners.

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At the right time, we will reveal the names of the figures involved in court. This is Mr. Sony's good faith gesture to ensure the case is transparent.

Sonjaya's legal team plans to formally submit the Justice Collaborator request to the Attorney General's Office next week. They assert that revealing the full scope of the corruption in court is Sonjaya's way of demonstrating good faith and ensuring transparency. He reportedly does not want to be seen as the sole perpetrator of the alleged "trading of MBG kitchens."

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But according to Mr. Sony, he was under pressure, there was attention, you know. He was given attention by big names that he will reveal himself later.