TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Newly appointed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) chief Sudaryono said Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program will continue despite mounting criticism, stressing that the government will focus on improving its governance rather than halting its implementation.
"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 said after his first meeting at the BGN headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Sudaryono said the agency would work to strengthen oversight, ensure the quality and safety of meals provided to students, and maximize 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 said.
Responding to concerns over potential conflicts of interest, Sudaryono also denied having any personal business ties to the program. He said 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 said.
At the same time, Sudaryono acknowledged that the implementation of the program still faces challenges, including governance issues. He referred to alleged corruption cases involving former BGN officials as evidence that improvements are needed.
"We have seen instances of non-transparent governance practices, and these are matters that need to be addressed," he said.
Sudaryono was appointed on Wednesday to replace Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who resigned after 45 days in office, citing health reasons.
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.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.
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