Mahfud MD backs probe into National Nutrition Agency corruption

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has welcomed the Attorney General's Office's (Kejagung) investigation into alleged corruption at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The probe has already led to three former BGN high-ranking officials being named suspects.

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Yes, good.

Mahfud MD specifically criticized Dadan Hindayana, the former head of BGN, along with two former deputy heads, Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. Mahfud described Hindayana as lacking bureaucratic experience and understanding of state financial law, suggesting that decisions were made arbitrarily. "Mr. Dadan has no experience in bureaucracy, doesn't understand state financial law, as if everything could be done as he pleased," Mahfud stated.

During Hindayana's tenure, Mahfud noted that BGN was frequently embroiled in controversy over procurements deemed irrelevant to the "Free Nutritious Meal" (MBG) program, citing examples like electric motorcycles and socks. Mahfud believes further facts will emerge in court. He personally views the MBG program as positive but felt its implementation was erratic under Hindayana's leadership, particularly given his lack of expertise in nutrition.

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Mr. Dadan has no experience in bureaucracy, doesn't understand state financial law, as if everything could be done as he pleased.

"Actually, in the first few months, it was already erratic. First, the understanding of what free nutritious meals are, what they are from the state, what they are in daily needs in nutritional science, he did not differentiate that," Mahfud explained. He pointed out that problems and calls for evaluation arose within the first three months of the MBG program's implementation, yet the management remained poor.

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Actually, in the first few months, it was already erratic. First, the understanding of what free nutritious meals are, what they are from the state, what they are in daily needs in nutritional science, he did not differentiate that.

The Attorney General's Office has identified Hindayana, Sonjaya, and Pusung as suspects in the alleged corruption related to the MBG program's governance. Director of Investigation for Special Crimes Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi explained that the MBG program was intended to be managed by foundations affiliated with recipient schools. However, many Special Program Implementation Partners (SPPG) were appointed due to their affiliation with BGN officials. These foundations allegedly received billions of rupiah in incentives daily and were owned by the suspects.

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These foundations allegedly received billions of rupiah in incentives daily and were owned by the suspects.