Indonesian police arrested the director of the National Nutrition Office along with two deputies just one day after they were dismissed, in connection with corruption in the free lunch program, a flagship policy of President Prabowo, following food poisoning incidents affecting over 33,000 children.
On 4 June 2026 GMT+7, Indonesian police detained Mr. Dadang Hindayana, former director of the National Nutrition Office, along with two deputy directors. The arrests came just one day after President Prabowo Subianto ordered Dadang's removal amid allegations of corruption in the free lunch program, a key government policy.
The Indonesian Attorney General's Office stated that the three suspects face charges related to mismanagement of the program. Dadang is accused of using his influence to interfere in selecting foundations responsible for running the lunch kitchens, some of which failed to meet required standards. He is also suspected of having vested interests in these foundations through intermediaries. Additionally, he is implicated in procurement fraud involving inflated prices for over 21,000 electric motorcycles, more than 32,000 pairs of shoes, and upwards of 5,400 televisions.
Before the arrests, authorities conducted raids on the headquarters of the National Nutrition Office in Jakarta, as well as the homes of the three suspects. Local media reported that the office building was closed to staff during the search operations.
Reports indicate that the free lunch program was a flagship policy President Prabowo campaigned on in the 2024 election. The government allocated at least 15 billion US dollars, approximately 550 billion baht, to provide food to schoolchildren, young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers totaling over 82.9 million people nationwide.
However, the program has faced ongoing criticism following multiple food poisoning incidents in various regions. As of April, at least 33,000 children have been affected by food poisoning linked to the program.
Previously, President Prabowo acknowledged operational problems with the program and vowed to take action against those responsible if wrongdoing was found. The government has affirmed that the free lunch program will continue despite changes in senior management of the responsible agency.
Source: CNA