Indonesia investigates corruption in free nutritious meal (MBG) program

Indonesia's anti‑corruption commission (KPK) said it will keep probing alleged graft in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, warning that "different locations and times, or other parties" could also be involved. The Attorney General’s Office is simultaneously conducting a criminal investigation, naming former National Nutrition Agency (BGN) leaders Sony Sonjaya, Dadan Hindayana and Lodewyk Pusung as suspects and alleging illegal trading of SPPG points that cost the state billions.

Kejaksaan Agung rejected Sonjaya’s request to be treated as a justice collaborator, stating he did not meet the legal criteria of a non‑principal offender who admits wrongdoing. Parliamentary members of the PDIP called for the examination of 41 officials linked to the scandal, urging that "information must be investigated and verified by investigators."

The Constitutional Court heard a challenge to the MBG’s inclusion in the education budget. Experts testified that the programme needs governance reforms rather than abolition, noting that "various issues in MBG implementation show the need for comprehensive governance reform." Together, the investigations span multiple agencies and raise questions about the programme’s financing and oversight.