TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday inaugurated Sudaryono as the new head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), replacing Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who resigned after serving only 45 days in the role.
Sudaryono, previously deputy agriculture minister, was sworn in at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta under Presidential Decree No. 78/P of 2026 on the dismissal and appointment of the BGN chief.
The appointment comes as the government seeks to strengthen the implementation of its flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Denies Conflict of Interest
Following his inauguration, Sudaryono stressed that he has no personal business interests linked to the school meals program.
He said neither he nor his family members own public kitchens or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), which receive government funding to provide meals under the MBG program.
"There are none. I do not own an SPPG. I do not own a kitchen. None of my family members own one either," Sudaryono told reporters.
The remarks came amid growing scrutiny over governance and procurement in the nationwide feeding initiative.
Acknowledges Governance Problems
Sudaryono acknowledged that the implementation of the MBG program still faces significant challenges, including governance issues.
He pointed to allegations of corruption involving former BGN head Dadan Hindayana and several former senior officials at the agency.
"We have seen violations related to non-transparent governance," he said.
The new BGN chief described his assignment as a major challenge, given the scale of the program and its substantial budget.
"This is a heavy responsibility, with a large budget and nationwide coverage," said Sudaryono, a senior politician from Prabowo's Gerindra Party.
To Resign From Agriculture Ministry
Sudaryono also confirmed that he will step down from his post as deputy agriculture minister to avoid holding dual positions.
He said he intends to focus entirely on leading BGN and overseeing the implementation of the MBG program.
Earlier this week, Nanik announced her resignation through a Facebook post, saying she wanted to focus on her heart health.
She also defended the free meals program against criticism, saying she had worked with Prabowo for more than a decade and understood the president's intentions.
"For fourteen years, I have been with him, and I know precisely that the MBG program is not politically motivated, as some have alleged," she wrote on Wednesday.
Like Nanik, Sudaryono has long been part of Prabowo's inner circle. Before entering government, he served as the president's personal assistant and later held senior positions within the Gerindra Party.
Outside the cabinet, Sudaryono currently serves as chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI) for the 2025-2030 term, a position previously held by Prabowo himself.
His appointment underscores Prabowo's reliance on trusted allies to oversee one of his signature policy initiatives, which aims to improve nutrition and food security across Indonesia.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Will AGO Probe Nanik S. Deyang in Free Meal Corruption Case?
25 menit lalu
The Attorney General's Office stated that it has not yet scheduled an examination for the former Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, even though her name emerged in the investigation of alleged corruption in the MBG program.
Prabowo Swears in Sudaryono as New BGN Chief
52 menit lalu
President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated Sudaryono as Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Palace Reveals Why Prabowo Picked Sudaryono as BGN Chief
1 jam lalu
Sudaryono will take over from Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, ending her brief 45-day stint as head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Prabowo Taps Sudaryono to Lead National Nutrition Agency
4 jam lalu
Minister of the State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi said Sudaryono will not hold dual roles once he assumes leadership of BGN.
Nanik Deyang Resigns as BGN Chief: Who Will Replace Her?
6 jam lalu
Nanik Deyang resigns from her post as BGN chief, after only 45 days in office.
Nanik S. Deyang Resigns as Indonesia's BGN Head for Health Reasons
9 jam lalu
Nanik S. Deyang has just announced her resignation as the Head of the Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
BGN Denies Electric Motorcycles Were Bought With Corruption Funds
9 jam lalu
Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN) dismisses the notion that the 21,000 electric motorcycles purchases were bought with corruption funds
Indonesia Probes Free Meals Poisoning After 19 Students Fall Ill in Blora
10 jam lalu
The Indonesian National Nutrition Body (BGN) will investigate the cause of the Free Meal program (MBG) food poisoning in Blora.
Indonesia's Free Meals Budget Could Shrink After Program Evaluation, Says BGN
10 jam lalu
The National Nutrition Body (BGN) states that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG) may potentially be reduced from the planned Rp268 trillion to Rp229 trillion.
BGN Introduces Five Officials Appointed by President
20 jam lalu
The five new National Nutrition Agency (BGN) officials are from various institutions.
