Legal practitioner Misbar RB, S.H., highlighted the controversy surrounding the involvement of several members of the South Aceh Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRK) in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This controversy emerged after the Council's Honor Board (BKD) stated that the lawmakers allegedly involved only hold investor status and are not directly managing the food provider kitchens.
According to Misbar, the excuse of being an investor does not automatically eliminate potential conflicts of interest. He emphasized that DPRK members have an inherent oversight function; therefore, their participation as investors in a government program they are supposed to oversee is a serious violation of ethics for state administrators.
"Being an investor means having a profit-seeking motive. Even though they do not manage the kitchen operationally, their connection as capital owners will still influence objectivity in program oversight," Misbar said in his statement, Friday (3/7/2026).
He referred to Presidential Regulation Number 16 of 2018 on Government Procurement of Goods/Services and the MD3 Law, which prohibit state administrators from using their positions to gain personal profit. Misbar is concerned that if the investment excuse is accepted, it will set a bad precedent for regional oversight systems in the future.
Responding to the South Aceh BKD's action of only conducting verbal clarification, Misbar urged that the investigation be deepened. He asked the BKD to trace foundation deeds, share ownership, and involve the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to track any suspicious cash flows.
Previously, the Chairman of the South Aceh BKD, Mistan Aulia, stated that his party found no direct involvement of council members in the management of the MBG kitchen based on the results of the investigation. Nevertheless, public demands for transparency continue to grow to ensure that this national strategic program is not exploited for the commercial interests of unscrupulous public officials.
