Corruption Concerns Arise as Foundations Linked to Convicts Partner with Indonesia’s Nutrition Program
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Indonesia’s efforts to combat malnutrition are facing scrutiny following revelations that three foundations collaborating with the National Nutrition Body for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) have ties to individuals with prior corruption convictions. The findings, released by Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) on November 25, 2025, raise questions about oversight and accountability within a program designed to improve the health of the nation’s citizens.
Unexpected Findings from Broad Survey
The discovery wasn’t the primary focus of ICW’s investigation,which initially aimed to identify connections between MBG-affiliated foundations and political entities,government officials,and other influential figures. Researchers conducted a random survey of 102 foundations across various indonesian regions between October and November 2025. “It turns out that during the survey, it showed four former corruptors, which we thought was not a small number,” explained a researcher at ICW during the presentation of the findings.
ICW’s initial scope included examining links to political parties, law enforcement agencies, President Prabowo Subianto’s volunteer groups, former state officials, businessmen, and active or non-active military personnel. The organization did not initially categorize corruption as a specific area of investigation, making the discovery all the more meaningful.
Foundations and individuals Implicated
The three foundations identified as having affiliations with former corruption convicts are: Yayasan lazuardi Kendari, yayasan Indonesia Food Security Review, and Yayasan Abdi Bangun Negeri. These foundations are linked to four individuals: Nur Alam and Mohammad Zayat Kaimoeddin (affiliated with Yayasan Lazuardi Kendari); Burhanuddin Abdullah (Yayasan Indonesia Food Security Review); and Abdul Hamid Payapo (yayasan Abdi Bangun Negeri).
According to ICW, the involvement of individuals with a history of corruption in managing the MBG – a program with a substantial budget – is deeply concerning.
Background on the Convicted Individuals
- Nur Alam: The former Governor of Southeast Sulawesi received a 12-year prison sentence on March 28, 2018, after being convicted of corruption related to the issuance of mining business permits and accepting gratuities totaling Rp40.2 billion.
- Mohammad Zayat Kaimoeddin: He was implicated in a corruption case concerning a quality betterment project for junior high schools in Southeast sulawesi in 2003.
- Burhanuddin abdullah: Sentenced to five years in prison in October 2008,Abdullah was found guilty of corruption involving the misappropriation of Rp100 billion from Bank indonesia.
- Abdul Hamid Payapo: Details regarding Payapo’s conviction were not immediately available.
Data Verification and Transparency
ICW confirmed that the foundation data used in the survey was sourced from the official website of the Directorate General of General Legal Administration (AHU) of the Ministry of Law. The organization traced affiliations through official foundation structures listed in AHU data, verifying information using secondary sources to confirm backgrounds and identities.
The findings underscore the need for greater transparency and due diligence in the selection of partner organizations for government programs, particularly those focused on essential services like nutrition. The potential for conflicts of interest and the erosion of public trust demand a robust system of checks and balances to ensure that public funds are used effectively an
