YOGYAKARTA, Thekabarnews.com—Retired civil servant and former lecturer Yana Karyana is engaged in a legal battle after using his retirement plan to support Indonesia’s Free Meals Program (MBG).

“I didn’t join the MBG program to try to make a profit; I joined the program because I thought the initiative could directly help lower-income communities and help public nutrition,” Yana said.

But he said he found serious irregularities in the management of the partnership after pouring nearly Rp2 billion into the construction and operation of a kitchen under one of the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) in Pengasih, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta.

Yana said at a press conference in Yogyakarta on Monday, May 4, 2026, that he officially reported the program’s foundation chairperson to the Kulon Progo Police on April 23.

“All my savings come from thirty years of work. I put everything into this venture. I was confident because the program offered major benefits for the public,” he said

Yana said the investment covered rental costs, a kitchen renovation, and the purchase of modern cooking equipment needed to support daily meal production. But problems started to arise only when operations entered their fourth month, he said.

He claimed that certain parties unilaterally deducted 25 percent from the daily operational incentive of Rp6 million that he should have received.

He also questioned the lack of transparency around the profit margins and financial arrangements promised by the foundation.

“Imagine volunteers handling electronic equipment who don’t yet know it—some broke within a week. How can operations stay healthy if the money keeps getting cut unilaterally?” he said.

He felt his rights as an investor were undermined. Yana made an official police report with the number STTLP/59/IV/2026/SPKT/POLRES KULONPROGO/POLDA in Yogyakarta.

The complaint cites five key issues, including unilateral amendments to the cooperation agreement and unauthorized cuts to operational incentives.

Kulon Progo Police Public Relations Head Sarjoko confirmed he had received the report.

“We are still reviewing the case, and it remains under investigation,” he said.

The case illustrates the major internal governance problems that can arise in social programs intended to serve the public welfare. These issues arise when we test transparency and accountability.

The incident emphasizes the necessity of well-defined legal frameworks and strong financial oversight in public-private partnerships. This is especially true for social programs that require a large degree of personal investment.

Yana thought retirement would be a time to make a meaningful contribution. Instead, it has turned into a fight for fairness and legal certainty.

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