The Allegations: Misappropriated Funds and Unpaid Bills

The MBG foundation, dedicated to providing free nutritional meals, is facing serious accusations. Danna Harly, representing a key kitchen partner, ibu Ira, claims the foundation not only failed to pay her client for services rendered but also allegedly solicited funds from Ira herself, amounting to Rp400 million, purportedly for victims of the alleged embezzlement. This is in relation to a reported Rp975,375,000 that is said to be missing.

So yesterday there was communication,I was with the foundation,the funny thing was they even collected Ira’s mother of Rp400 million.

danna harly, Attorney

Conflicting Accounts and Dubious Billing Practices

Adding to the complexity, Harly expressed confusion over a Rp100 million bill issued to her client by the foundation. Further complicating matters, a previously paid “ompreng” bill (provision) of Rp200 million, covered by Ira, was allegedly incorporated into the MBG‘s budget.This raises questions about transparency and accountability within the organization’s financial management.

Then there is also an ompreng bill. So Ira’s mother bought Ompreng, yesterday (Rp. 12,000 each,has been paid Rp. 200 million. Well, it was billed into the mechanism at this MBG. So two different things were mixed, so it was chaotic.

Danna Harly, Attorney

Police Investigation and Witness Examination

Law enforcement is actively investigating the alleged embezzlement. The kitchen partner and a representative from the MBG with the initials MBN were questioned as witnesses at the South Jakarta Metro Police headquarters. The focus is on the alleged misappropriation of Rp975,375,000 related to the foundation’s activities in Kalibata, South Jakarta.

background: Disrupted Services and Contractual Disputes

The free nutritional food kitchen, a crucial component of the MBG‘s operations, had previously suspended services due to unpaid invoices, impacting the delivery of meals to schools in the area. While services have reportedly resumed, the underlying financial issues remain a important concern. The initial collaboration between Ira and the foundation, operating under the name SPPG from February to March 2025, involved the planning of approximately 65,025 meals in two phases.

The agreed-upon price per serving was initially Rp15,000, later reduced to Rp13,000. This budget adjustment was reportedly acknowledged by the foundation prior to the formal contract signing in December 2024. Though,disputes arose when Ira’s invoices for the second phase of disbursement went unpaid,leading to the termination of the partnership and the subsequent police report.

The Broader Context: Nutrition and Food Security in Jakarta

This investigation comes at a critical time, as Jakarta continues to grapple with issues of food security and nutritional deficiencies, especially among vulnerable populations. According to recent data from the Jakarta provincial Goverment, approximately 20% of children under five in certain districts experience stunted growth due to malnutrition. Programs like the MBG are vital in addressing these challenges, making the allegations of financial mismanagement all the more concerning. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the future of nutritional support programs in the region.