New BGN Chief Vows Not to Stop Free Meal Program Despite Criticism

New BGN Chief Vows Not to Stop: Tempatdonasi.com – “`html New BGN Chief Vows Not to Halt Nutritious Meals Initiative TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The newly

Tempatdonasi.com – “`html

New BGN Chief Vows Not to Halt Nutritious Meals Initiative

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The newly appointed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) chief, Sudaryono, has firmly committed to continuing Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program despite growing public criticism. In his first official statement following his appointment, the New BGN Chief Vows Not to stop the ambitious nutrition initiative, emphasizing that the government’s priority is to enhance governance mechanisms rather than discontinue the program entirely. “The Nutritious Meals program was one of President Prabowo Subianto’s campaign promises. It was planned long before the election, presented to the public during the campaign, and received a mandate from voters,” Sudaryono explained after his inaugural meeting at the BGN headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Strengthening Program Governance and Oversight

Sudaryono outlined a comprehensive strategy to address existing challenges within the MBG program. He announced that the agency would focus on strengthening oversight mechanisms, ensuring the quality and safety of meals provided to students across the nation, and maximizing the program’s economic benefits, particularly for rural communities. “This is a program for the people and will be delivered to the people. We will continue to listen to criticism and public input,” he stated, demonstrating his openness to feedback from all stakeholders.

“We have seen instances of non-transparent governance practices, and these are matters that need to be addressed,” Sudaryono acknowledged regarding the program’s implementation challenges.

Addressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest, the New BGN Chief Vows Not to allow personal interests to influence program decisions. He clarified that neither he nor his family members own public kitchens or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), which receive government contracts to supply meals under the MBG program. “I do not own an SPPG unit or a public kitchen. None of my family members own one either,” he affirmed, providing transparency about his personal financial connections to the program.

Sudaryono was appointed on Wednesday to replace Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who resigned after just 45 days in office, citing health reasons. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the MBG program, which has faced scrutiny over governance issues and alleged corruption cases involving former BGN officials. The New BGN Chief Vows Not to let these challenges derail the program’s progress, instead viewing them as opportunities for meaningful reform and improvement.

In a social media post announcing her resignation, Nanik defended the MBG program and rejected claims that it was politically motivated. “I have been with President Prabowo for 14 years, and I know for certain that the MBG program is not intended for political purposes, as some have alleged,” she wrote, adding credibility to the program’s legitimacy. Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article. Read: Who Is Sudaryono, Prabowo’s Pick to Lead Indonesia’s BGN? Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News.

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