Jakarta. The Attorney General’s Office has named a new suspect in its investigation into alleged corruption in the management of the free nutritious meals program at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), expanding a case that has already led to the detention of the agency’s former chief and two former deputies.

The new suspect, identified by the initials AYS, is a businessman accused of playing a role in the selection of partners responsible for establishing community kitchens under the flagship government program.

Prosecutors allege that the selection process for operators of the free meals program involved illegal payments and lacked transparency.

Corruption Investigation Director Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi said on Thursday that AYS was formally named a suspect over the weekend.

The investigation previously resulted in charges against former BGN head Dadan Hindayana, former deputy for operations Sony Sanjaya, and former deputy for organizational development Lodewyk Pusung. The three were detained just one day after being dismissed by President Prabowo Subianto.

According to Syarief, AYS conspired with Sony to recruit partners for the implementation of the free meals program. Prosecutors allege that Sony unlawfully granted AYS access to influence the agency’s partner-verification team, allowing him to interfere in the selection process.

Investigators said AYS subsequently played a role in determining which applicants would qualify as program partners. Several prospective kitchen operators who had previously passed the verification process allegedly had their approvals revoked by AYS.

In return for the access and influence he received, AYS allegedly provided payments to Sony, although prosecutors have not disclosed further details.

“We are continuing to deepen the investigation because it is still in its early stages. If there are other individuals who can be held accountable and there is sufficient evidence, we will certainly proceed against them,” Syarief said.

The investigation could widen further as prosecutors continue to examine the selection process and financial flows linked to the program.

Sony has reportedly applied for whistleblower status in the case and, through his lawyer, has indicated a willingness to reveal the identities of other individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.

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