The Kejaksaan Agung (Attorney General’s Office) officially named three former top officials of the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) as suspects in a corruption case regarding the management of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. The arrests took place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following a series of investigations into the program’s operations during 2025 and 2026.
The suspects include the former head of the agency, Dadan Hindayana, and two former deputies, Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. All three were seen being escorted into a detention vehicle at the Jampidsus building in South Jakarta, wearing detention vests and handcuffs. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the trio will be held at the Salemba Detention Center in Central Jakarta for an initial period of 20 days.
Did You Know?
The alleged corruption involved the management of a massive budget, totaling Rp85,27 trillion in 2025 and rising to Rp268 trillion in 2026.
Allegations of Systemic Mismanagement
Investigations suggest that the suspects manipulated the verification portal for BGN partners. By doing so, they allegedly ensured that the foundations appointed as partners for the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) were entities affiliated with, or in some cases owned by, the officials themselves. These foundations reportedly received billions of rupiah in incentives on a daily basis.
Beyond the selection of partners, the suspects are accused of intervening in budget planning to inflate procurement costs. Authorities identified specific irregularities in the acquisition of 31,000 tablets and 5,400 units of 75-inch televisions, which were reportedly deemed unnecessary and subject to price mark-ups.
Expert Insight:
The swift removal of the leadership and the subsequent criminal charges underscore the high stakes of the Makan Bergizi Gratis program. When public funds of this magnitude are tied to essential service delivery, any failure in governance—particularly involving the direct manipulation of procurement and vendor selection—threatens the integrity of the entire national initiative. The transition to new leadership suggests an urgent attempt to stabilize the program’s oversight.
Administrative Overhaul and Future Outlook
The arrests followed an investigation into the BGN office, which occurred one day after President Prabowo formally removed the three officials from their posts. Mensesneg Prasetyo Hadi stated that the removal was prompted by concerns over disciplinary issues, specifically regarding the adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the failure to maintain established food quality standards.
In response to the vacancy, President Prabowo appointed Nanik S Deyang as the new head of the BGN. She will be joined by new deputies Agustina Arumsari and Mayjen TNI Trenggono. With the investigation now moving into the formal detention phase, it is likely that prosecutors will continue to examine the financial records of the involved foundations to determine the full extent of the alleged misappropriation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the three suspects named by the Kejaksaan Agung?
The suspects are former BGN head Dadan Hindayana, former Deputy Head of Operational Affairs Sony Sonjaya, and former Deputy Head of Organizational Development and Institutional Relations Lodewyk Pusung.
What is the primary allegation against the former BGN officials?
They are accused of manipulating the BGN partner verification portal to favor foundations they owned or were affiliated with, as well as marking up procurement costs for items like tablets and televisions.
Who has been appointed to lead the Badan Gizi Nasional following the removals?
Nanik S Deyang, who previously served as a deputy, has been named the new head of the BGN, with Agustina Arumsari and Mayjen TNI Trenggono appointed as deputies.
How do you believe this leadership transition will affect the delivery of the Makan Bergizi Gratis program in the coming months?
