TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several hours after being named a suspect, Sony Sonjaya posted an open letter addressed to the new Chief of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, on his personal Instagram account. Along with congratulating Nanik on her appointment, he thanked her for what he called a “beautiful gift.” No one has yet explained what the former BGN Deputy Chief meant by the phrase.
Investigators from the Attorney General’s Office detained Sony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Prosecutors simultaneously detained former BGN Chief Dadan Hindayana and another Deputy Chief, Lodewyk Pusung. The three face a range of allegations, including involvement in projects within the agency. Investigators have also accused Sony of having ties to several foundations that operate Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchens.
The retired police inspector general appointed senior attorney Elza Syarief as his legal counsel. Elza said she could not discuss the details of Sony’s case because the investigation remains ongoing. She did, however, say that her client intends to seek status as a justice collaborator and disclose everything he knows to investigators.
The following are excerpts from Elza’s interview with Tempo reporters Lani Diana and Fajar Pebrianto by telephone on Thursday evening, June 4, 2026. The interview continued the following day.
Is it true that your client was involved in inflating the prices of goods and services procured by BGN?
Pak Sony has absolutely no knowledge of matters related to the procurement of goods and services, such as laptops and electric motorcycles.
