Sony Sonjaya's Justice Collaborator Request Rejected as Indonesia Probes MBG Corruption

Former deputy head of Indonesia's Badan Gizi Nasional, Sony Sonjaya, applied to become a justice collaborator in the alleged corruption of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. The Kejaksaan Agung rejected the request, deeming him a primary suspect. Investigators are examining 41 names found on Sonjaya's phone for possible involvement in the scheme, which includes allegations of a fictitious Rp300 billion procurement of CCTV and fingerprint devices for about 5,000 nutrition service points.

The Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK) is also reviewing Sonjaya's application for protective status, noting the request remains under assessment. Prosecutor Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi and junior prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah said the investigation will continue to identify all parties linked to the MBG program, a presidential priority, and that the 41 individuals “are being studied whether they constitute a crime or other irregularities.” Other suspects named include former BGN head Dadan Hindayana, foundation chair Glory Harimas Sihombing, and several executives.

Authorities stress that the case could involve multiple actors beyond Sonjaya, and that justice‑collaborator status is only granted to witnesses who are not primary perpetrators.