New Suspect Named in MBG Program Corruption Case

Jakarta – A new suspect, identified as private businessman Asep Yusuf Somantri (AYS), has been named in the ongoing corruption investigation into Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The Attorney General's Office announced the development on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

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On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the investigation team named another private individual, identified by the initials AYS, as a suspect.

According to Syarief Sulaiman Nahdi, Director of Investigation at the Attorney General's Office's Special Crimes Division, Asep is a close associate of Sony Sonjaya (SS), a former BGN Deputy Head who was previously named a suspect. Investigators allege that Sonjaya tasked Asep with recruiting partners for the MBG program and subsequently granted him influence over the verification process for these partners and the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) that operate kitchens for the program.

The accusations further state that Asep unlawfully intervened in the approval process for SPPGs, even after the official registration portal had closed. Following his facilitation of these registrations, Asep is accused of unlawfully providing a sum of money to Sony Sonjaya. This alleged financial transaction points to a quid pro quo arrangement within the corruption scheme.

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According to investigators, Asep is a close associate of former BGN Deputy Head, retired police inspector general Sony Sonjaya, who was previously named a suspect in the case.

Asep Yusuf Somantri faces charges under multiple provisions of Indonesia's anti-corruption law and criminal code. He has been detained for an initial period of 20 days at the Salemba Detention Center, operated by the South Jakarta Prosecutor's Office. This development adds another individual to the growing list of suspects in the MBG program scandal.

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Asep is also accused of influencing the approval process for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), facilities that operate kitchens for the government's free meals program.

In addition to Asep and Sony Sonjaya, the investigation has also implicated former BGN head Dadan Hindayana and former deputy head, retired Lieutenant General Lodewyk Pusung, as suspects. The case centers on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the MBG program, a significant government initiative aimed at providing nutritious meals nationwide.

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After arranging these SPPG locations, AYS unlawfully provided a sum of money to suspect SS (Sony Sonjaya).