Indonesia Questions Former Free Meals Chief in Suspected Corruption Probe

Kuala Lumpur — Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office has questioned the former head of the National Nutrition Agency as part of a probe that appears to involve possible corruption, just one day after President Prabowo Subianto removed him from his post.

Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana, who led Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) and oversaw the high-profile Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis) program, was picked up for examination early Wednesday morning. Two former deputies were also brought in for questioning following a raid on the agency’s headquarters in Jakarta.

The sudden move has raised suspicions that the examination is linked to alleged irregularities in the management of the multibillion-rupiah free meals program.

Removed Overnight, Questioned at Dawn

President Prabowo dismissed Dadan Hindayana and two deputies late Tuesday night, citing disciplinary issues and failures in maintaining proper governance and food quality standards. Hours later, prosecutors from the Kejaksaan Agung raided the BGN office and took Dadan and his former deputies in for intensive questioning.

While official statements have not yet detailed the exact allegations, the timing and nature of the operation have led many to believe the case involves suspected corruption or misuse of funds related to the ambitious national feeding program.

Lavish Perks Under Scrutiny

Reports have also surfaced highlighting the significant allowances and minister-level facilities Dadan Hindayana received while heading the agency. These included generous monthly benefits, official vehicles, and other privileges normally reserved for top government officials — perks that are now drawing public attention amid the ongoing investigation.

High-Profile Program Facing Multiple Problems

The Free Nutritious Meals program is one of President Prabowo’s flagship initiatives, aimed at providing daily meals to schoolchildren and pregnant women to reduce stunting. However, the program has been plagued by reports of mass food poisoning incidents, weak oversight, and questions over large expenditures.

The removal and subsequent examination of the agency’s former leadership have intensified calls for a thorough investigation into how the program was managed.

What’s Next?

It is still unclear whether formal corruption charges will be filed. The Kejaksaan Agung has not released detailed information about the scope of the probe. However, the dramatic sequence of events — a presidential dismissal followed by a dawn raid and questioning — suggests authorities are treating the case seriously.

For many Indonesians and international observers, the case underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale social programs and the risks of weak governance and potential corruption.