AGO Orders Halt to Regional Data Collection for Free Meal Program

Attorney General Directs Suspension of Regional Information Gathering for Nutritious Meal Initiative

Official Directive Issued to Prosecutorial Offices Nationwide

Tempatdonasi.com – The Attorney General’s Office has formally communicated an instruction to pause the ongoing collection of data and information concerning the Free Nutritious Meal program, known locally as MBG. This official correspondence, bearing the reference number B-3256/F.2/Fd.2/07/2026, was dispatched on the tenth day of July in 2026. The directive specifically addresses all regional prosecutorial authorities across the Indonesian archipelago.

According to the text of the letter, the central message is clear and comprehensive. The AGO requests that every Head of High Prosecutors’ Office cease all operations involving the gathering of relevant data and information pertaining to the MBG initiative within their assigned territories. This suspension applies to ongoing and future collection activities until further notice is provided by the central authority.

Leadership Behind the Decision

The directive carries the signature of Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, who serves as the Director of Investigation under the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes. His endorsement lends significant weight to the order, reflecting the importance of this matter within the national prosecutorial framework. The document has been distributed to multiple high-ranking officials to ensure proper awareness and implementation.

Recipients of the copied letter include the Attorney General himself, the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, the Deputy Attorney General for Supervision, and a Special Assistant to the Attorney General. This broad distribution network ensures that all relevant parties are informed of the directive and can coordinate their responses accordingly.

Confirmation and Rationale

Anang Supriatna, who leads the Attorney General’s Legal Information Center, verified the authenticity of the letter when contacted through WhatsApp on Monday, July 13, 2026. His confirmation came after initial reports surfaced regarding the suspension order.

“Correct,” he stated when reached for comment, affirming that the letter was indeed issued by the Attorney General’s Office.

Anang provided additional context regarding the timing and purpose of the directive. He explained that the decision stems from the fact that data collection deadlines had been extended and subsequently passed on two separate occasions. Furthermore, the AGO aims to prevent potential misuse or irregularities during the implementation phase of the MBG program. This precautionary measure reflects the office’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public programs.

Importantly, Anang clarified that the letter does not completely halt all prosecutorial activities related to the MBG initiative. The suspension specifically targets data collection efforts, not the handling of existing corruption cases. The investigation continues for individuals who have already been identified as suspects in connection with the program.

“It continues for the suspects who have been identified,” said Anang, emphasizing that ongoing cases remain unaffected by the data collection pause.

Seven Individuals Named in Corruption Investigation

The Attorney General’s Office has formally identified seven suspects in connection with the alleged corruption surrounding the management of the MBG program. These individuals hold various positions of influence within the national nutrition and food security sectors.

The first group of suspects includes Dadan Hindayana, who previously served as the Chairman of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Alongside him are his deputies, Sony Sanjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, who held significant administrative roles within the agency. Their positions gave them considerable authority over program decisions and resource allocation.

Another key figure is Asep Yusuf Somantri, described as a close associate of Sony Sanjaya. His connection to the former deputy places him within the network of individuals under investigation. Additionally, Andri Mulyono has been named as a suspect. Mulyono serves as a commissioner of PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal, a company responsible for providing electric motorbikes to the BGN. His role in the supply chain makes him relevant to the investigation.

Glory Harimas Sihombing represents another dimension of the investigation. As the chair of the Indonesia Food Security Review Foundation (IFSR), she oversees important food security initiatives. Her involvement suggests that the corruption allegations may extend beyond the BGN to related organizations.

Most Recent Addition to the Suspect List

Prosecutors have most recently added Brigadier General Lalu Muhammad Iwan Mahardan to the roster of suspects. He currently holds the position of Deputy Secretary for Promotion and Cooperation within the BGN. According to preliminary findings, Mahardan is allegedly involved in determining the selling price of food trays for the free nutritious meals program when negotiating with potential partners. This pricing function is critical to the program’s financial operations and makes his role particularly significant in the corruption investigation.

The comprehensive nature of the suspect list demonstrates the breadth of the AGO’s investigation, which spans multiple agencies, companies, and organizational structures. The suspension of regional data collection provides investigators with an opportunity to consolidate existing information before potentially resuming broader data gathering efforts.

As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the AGO balances the need for continued case handling with the directive to pause new data collection activities. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the MBG program and similar national initiatives in the future.