Indonesia's corruption investigation into the free meals program has expanded to include police and military officers, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced on Thursday. Lalu Muhammad Iwan Mahardan, a police brigadier general, is now the seventh suspect in the inquiry, which is focused on President Prabowo's US$15 billion initiative intended to provide daily meals to over 80 million students and mothers across the country.
Key Details
The AGO revealed that Iwan previously served as the head of legal affairs and public relations at the National Nutrition Agency from December 2024 to March 2025. Additionally, prosecutors have identified an active-duty military officer allegedly involved in unlawfully procuring electric motorcycles for the program. This case has been referred to the military crimes unit for a joint investigation with civilian authorities.
Background
The free meals program has faced criticism for its budget strains and reports of food poisoning linked to its rushed implementation. The initiative is currently under new leadership and is undergoing a review following the emergence of corruption allegations last month. The program aims to provide essential nutrition to vulnerable populations in Indonesia, but the ongoing scrutiny raises concerns about its future effectiveness.
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Limited direct market relevance; the development matters more for governance and public trust than for traded assets. Investors will watch for further updates on the investigation and any potential impacts on government spending priorities.