Sony Sanjaya, a suspect in the mismanagement of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) project, has formally requested justice collaborator status from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). The application, which follows allegations of quota-selling within the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), is currently under review by the agency, according to LPSK Chairperson Achmadi on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Why is the request facing opposition?
The Attorney General’s Office has indicated it is not currently prepared to grant the request. Syarief Sulaiman Nahdi, Director of Investigation for Special Crimes, stated on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, that the application fails to meet the legal requirements for justice collaborator status. Under Indonesian law, a candidate must not be the primary perpetrator and must fully admit to their wrongdoing. The Attorney General’s Office contends that Sanjaya, as a suspect in the alleged quota-selling scheme, is considered a principal actor. Furthermore, investigators reported that Sanjaya did not admit to the charges during interrogation.
What are the implications for the ongoing investigation?
The defense, led by attorney Krisna Murti, argues that the request is necessary due to safety concerns for Sanjaya and his family. This concern stems from Sanjaya’s stated intent to expose 41 names allegedly linked to the graft case. The scandal has already resulted in the designation of six suspects by the prosecutor’s office. These individuals include former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, his deputy Lodewyk Pusung, and associates Asep Yusuf Somantri, Andi Mulyono, and Glory Harimas Sihombing.
What happens next?
The legal process remains in a state of coordination between government bodies. LPSK Chairperson Achmadi confirmed that his agency will coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office as they continue to investigate the application. If the Attorney General’s Office maintains its position that the criteria have not been met, Sanjaya’s status as a suspect will likely remain unchanged, potentially limiting his ability to secure protection through the justice collaborator mechanism. The investigation into the six named suspects is expected to proceed as the prosecutor’s office evaluates the evidence surrounding the procurement scandal.
