KPK Continues Probe Into Alleged Corruption in MBG Program

KPK Continues Probe Into Alleged Corruption in MBG Program

KPK Continues Probe Into Alleged Corruption – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reaffirmed its ongoing investigation into suspected corruption within the MBG program, a cornerstone initiative of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) aimed at improving public health through food distribution. The probe, which has been active since 2025, is aligned with the priorities of Prabowo Subianto’s administration, focusing on transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds and resources. As the KPK continues its efforts to uncover potential mismanagement, the case has drawn significant attention from both domestic and international observers, highlighting the commission’s role as a watchdog in Indonesia’s public sector.

Scope and Objectives of the MBG Program

The MBG program, officially known as the “Nutritious Meal Fulfillment Service,” was designed to provide subsidized meals to vulnerable populations, including low-income families and schoolchildren, across Indonesia. Its implementation involved a complex network of government agencies, private contractors, and local authorities, which has made it a prime target for corruption scrutiny. The KPK’s probe seeks to evaluate whether there were systematic lapses in governance, such as inflated costs, embezzlement, or favoritism in contract awards, that may have undermined the program’s goals. With an estimated budget of over Rp 5 trillion, the program’s scale and reach have amplified concerns about its financial integrity.

“The KPK is committed to ensuring that the MBG program meets its intended social impact, even if it means uncovering discrepancies that may have been overlooked initially,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo during a press briefing on June 22, 2026. “Our investigation will examine all potential avenues, including the involvement of multiple stakeholders and the alignment of the program with national policy objectives.”

Collaboration Between KPK and AGO

The KPK’s investigation has been complemented by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), which has been conducting parallel inquiries into governance irregularities. Setyo Budiyanto, the KPK’s chairperson, emphasized the importance of cross-agency cooperation, noting that the AGO already possesses sufficient evidence to pursue legal action. However, the KPK remains prepared to offer additional insights or data if needed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the case. This collaboration underscores the growing scrutiny of public projects under Prabowo’s administration, particularly those with substantial financial commitments and wide-reaching social implications.

“We are working closely with the KPK to trace the flow of funds and identify any systemic issues in the MBG program’s execution,” added Setyo during a meeting at the National Administrative Institute (LAN) Building on June 17, 2026. “The findings from both agencies will be critical in assessing the full extent of the alleged misconduct.”

Key areas of focus in the investigation include the procurement process for food supplies, the distribution mechanisms, and the financial records maintained by BGN. The KPK has also highlighted the potential for conflicts of interest among officials, particularly those with close ties to private contractors involved in the program. As the probe progresses, stakeholders are being called to account for their roles in the program’s implementation, with the KPK asserting its independence in the process.

The AGO has already named several suspects, including former BGN director Dadan Hindayana and two retired officials—Inspector General Sony Sonjaya and Lieutenant General Lodewyk Pusung. These individuals are alleged to have facilitated irregularities in the SPPG system, which manages the distribution of meals. Additionally, Asep Yusuf Somantri, a close associate of Sony Sonjaya, and Andri Mulyono, a commissioner of PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal, have been linked to the case. The investigation also implicates Glory Harimas Sihombing, chairman of the Indonesia Food Security Review Foundation, who is suspected of coordinating efforts with Dadan Hindayana to ensure favorable outcomes.

According to Syarief Sulaiman Nahdi, head of the AGO’s special crimes division, the case originated from a review of governance lapses in the MBG program during the 2025-2026 fiscal period. The AGO has stated that the KPK’s probe has not yet overlapped with its own findings, though both agencies are expected to share information as the investigation deepens. This separation highlights the different mandates of the KPK, which focuses on corruption, and the AGO, which addresses broader governance and legal violations.