Watchdog Calls Free Meal Program Corruption 'Amateurish'

Indonesia's anti-corruption watchdog, MAKI, has labeled the alleged corruption within the government's free nutritious meal program as "amateurish." Boyamin Saiman, the coordinator for Masyarakat Anti Korupsi Indonesia (MAKI), expressed dismay that officials would engage in corruption, particularly using such unsophisticated methods.

Saiman detailed that the alleged modus operandi included inflating prices, rigging tenders, and reducing the quality of food supplied. These practices, he suggested, likely contributed to the food poisoning incidents reported. He also pointed to the procurement of irrelevant items, like socks, as a means to generate illicit profits.

"It's obvious they were just chasing tenders, procurement to get commissions," Saiman stated, highlighting concerns about the lack of oversight at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He lamented that despite supposed supervisory bodies, practical oversight appeared absent, facilitating corruption.

Saiman believes some individuals felt emboldened by their proximity to power, possibly assuming they were untouchable. However, he noted President Prabowo Subianto's strong reaction, viewing the corruption as a betrayal and a stain on his administration's reputation, especially for a flagship program.

To combat such issues, Saiman called for strengthening corruption prevention through better governance, emphasizing transparency and regulatory certainty in the meal program. He also advocated for the passage of an Asset Forfeiture Law to create a stronger deterrent effect for corrupt officials. "The president's duty is to prevent corruption through good governance, which minimally involves transparency and certainty," he added.