JAKARTA: Authorities in Indonesia have intensified their graft investigation into the free nutritious meal scheme by detaining more individuals connected to the scandal. The Attorney General's Office (AGO) arrested Andri Mulyono, commissioner at logistics firm PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal (YAT), on Friday (June 12) on suspicion of involvement in the scheme's corruption. Investigators allege that Mulyono artificially inflated prices for roughly 21,000 electric motorcycles intended for meal-preparation kitchens across the country, pushing costs to Rp 1.03 trillion (US$58.2 million) to match the budget ceiling set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The latest arrest comes as the probe deepens into what was meant to be a flagship initiative providing meals to more than 80 million students and pregnant women. Andri's detention follows the apprehension last week of businessman Asep Yusuf Somantri, who allegedly collaborated with former BGN deputy head Sony Sonjaya to interfere with partner verification procedures. According to investigators, Asep exploited his connection to Sony to allow late applications for kitchen registration and manipulation of the selection process.
Three high-ranking BGN officials—former head Dadan Hindayana and deputy chiefs Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung—were arrested on June 3, shortly after President Prabowo Subianto dismissed them from their roles. The Attorney General's investigation unit, headed by Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, stated that they are currently reviewing Sony's application to become a justice collaborator, potentially leading to identification of over 20 additional individuals implicated in the case.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that no fresh electric motorcycle procurements will occur in 2026, attributing the earlier approvals to miscommunication within his ministry. The motorcycles had already drawn public criticism in April for appearing unnecessary to the initiative's core mission.
The corruption allegations have compounded existing difficulties with the programme since its launch in early 2025. At least 33,000 cases of mass food poisoning have been documented, and mounting public discontent erupted into street protests last Friday dubbed #MenujuIndonesiaBangkrut (Heading toward bankruptcy). Students and activists denounced the initiative as a misplaced government priority given Indonesia's currency challenges. Government Communications Agency chief Muhammad Qodari defended the programme on Saturday, contending that implementation difficulties are normal and do not justify its termination, emphasising its importance in reducing childhood stunting.
