Prabowo Removes Dadan Hindayana as National Nutrition Agency Chief
Prabowo Subianto Appoints New Leadership for National Nutrition Agency
Prabowo Removes Dadan Hindayana as National - President Prabowo Subianto has made a significant personnel change in his administration, removing Dadan Hindayana from his role as Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The decision, effective June 2, 2026, was formally announced by Top government spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi during a press conference held at the Presidential Office in Jakarta. This move marks a shift in leadership for the agency, which plays a critical role in implementing Indonesia’s free nutritious meal program—a cornerstone of Prabowo’s campaign promises during the 2024 presidential election.
Leadership Transition at the National Nutrition Agency
Prasetyo Hadi, who serves as the official mouthpiece for the executive branch, confirmed the change in leadership at the press conference. According to his statement, the President has chosen to replace Dadan Hindayana with Nanik Suryati Dayang, who previously held the position of Deputy Head of BGN. This transition underscores Prabowo’s efforts to align the agency’s direction with his broader policy agenda.
“Today, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the President has decided to change the leadership of the National Nutrition Agency,” Prasetyo said.
Dadan Hindayana, who was still in his role on Tuesday morning, had accompanied Prabowo during an inspection of the free nutritious meal (MBG) kitchen in Palmerah, West Jakarta. The visit highlighted the program’s operational status, with Prabowo also examining its implementation at State Junior High School (SMPN) 111 in Jakarta. These inspections were part of a series of engagements aimed at assessing the effectiveness of public welfare initiatives.
Dadan’s Tenure and Background
Dadan Hindayana, an entomologist affiliated with IPB University, was appointed as the head of BGN by former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) through Presidential Decree No. 94B of 2024. His inauguration as the agency’s leader occurred on August 19, 2024, during the final months of Jokowi’s presidency. Under his leadership, the BGN focused on expanding access to healthy meals for vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren, toddlers, and pregnant women.
The free meal program, which Dadan oversaw until June 2, 2026, was designed to combat malnutrition and improve dietary habits across the country. It was launched on January 6, 2025, and became a flagship initiative of Prabowo’s campaign, promising to address food insecurity through centralized distribution. Dadan’s expertise in entomology, particularly in studying pests that affect food supply chains, positioned him as a key figure in optimizing the program’s logistics and sustainability.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program: Goals and Challenges
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) was established to manage one of Indonesia’s most ambitious public welfare projects: the free nutritious meal program. This initiative aims to provide meals to millions of students, young children, and expectant mothers, ensuring they receive essential nutrients. The program’s launch in early 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to reduce hunger and improve health outcomes.
However, the program has not been without controversy. Reports of corruption and inefficiency have emerged, with critics alleging mismanagement in the allocation of funds and the distribution of meals. These issues have raised questions about the agency’s ability to meet its objectives, leading to calls for reform. Despite these challenges, the program has seen notable achievements, including the establishment of over 10,000 MBG kitchens nationwide, which have served millions of meals to date.
Prabowo’s decision to replace Dadan as head of BGN may signal a desire to address these concerns. By appointing Nanik Suryati Dayang, who has experience in administrative roles, the President is likely seeking a leader with a stronger focus on oversight and accountability. Nanik’s previous role as Deputy Head suggests she is familiar with the program’s intricacies, positioning her to maintain continuity while introducing new strategies.
Context of the Leadership Change
Prabowo’s administration has prioritized restructuring key institutions to align with its vision for national development. The removal of Dadan, who served under Jokowi, reflects a broader effort to transition from the previous government’s policies to new priorities. While Dadan’s tenure was marked by steady implementation of the free meal program, Prabowo may view his leadership as a step toward revitalizing the initiative with fresh perspectives.
The BGN, established under the Ministry of Health, has faced logistical and financial hurdles since its inception. Critics point to delays in meal distribution and discrepancies in reporting, which have tested the program’s credibility. Prabowo’s appointment of a new leader could be a strategic move to streamline operations and enhance transparency, particularly as the program enters its second year of implementation.
In his role as head of BGN, Dadan was instrumental in coordinating partnerships between the government and private sector entities to improve food supply chains. His work also included monitoring the nutritional content of meals and ensuring compliance with dietary guidelines. These responsibilities required a balance between scientific expertise and administrative management, which he successfully maintained during his tenure.
Implications for Public Health and Education
The free nutritious meal program is deeply tied to Indonesia’s education and healthcare sectors, with the goal of reducing long-term health disparities. By providing meals to schoolchildren, the initiative seeks to improve academic performance and physical well-being, as malnutrition is linked to cognitive development and energy levels. Similarly, toddlers and pregnant women benefit from regular access to balanced diets, which can prevent developmental delays and maternal complications.
Prabowo’s administration has emphasized the program’s role in fostering social equity. The initiative has been expanded to include rural and urban communities, with a focus on reaching underserved regions. However, challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have occasionally hindered progress. The leadership change may aim to tackle these obstacles, ensuring the program’s long-term viability.
Public reactions to the decision have been mixed. Supporters of Prabowo argue that the change will bring much-needed momentum to the program, while critics suggest it could disrupt the continuity of Dadan’s work. The new leader, Nanik Suryati Dayang, will face the challenge of maintaining the program’s momentum while addressing past issues. Her ability to manage these complexities will be crucial in determining the success of the initiative moving forward.
Looking Ahead: The Future of BGN and the Free Meal Program
As the free meal program enters its critical phase, the National Nutrition Agency’s role remains central to Indonesia’s public health strategy. Prabowo’s move to replace Dadan Hindayana highlights the dynamic nature of government leadership and the importance of adapting to evolving priorities. The new appointee will need to navigate the program’s successes and challenges, ensuring it meets its targets of 15 million beneficiaries by 2027.
The transition also raises questions about the future of the BGN’s operations. With a focus on efficiency and accountability, the agency is expected to refine its processes, particularly in monitoring food quality and distribution. Prabowo’s government has also pledged to integrate technology into the program, such as using digital systems to track meal consumption and reduce waste. These innovations could redefine the agency’s approach to public welfare in the coming years.
Ultimately, the leadership change at the BGN reflects a broader shift in Indonesia’s governance, where each administration seeks to build on the achievements of the previous one while addressing its shortcomings. As the free meal program continues to grow, the success of the new leadership will be a key indicator of Prabowo’s commitment to social welfare and public health. The agency’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine whether the initiative fulfills its potential as a transformative policy for the nation.
Read: Indonesia's Free Meal Program Marred with Corruption Claims: What to Know Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News