BGN Chief Sudaryono Open to Oversight Board, Fully Supports Law Enforcement in MBG Programme

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has stated he is open to the initiative of forming a supervisory board to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in order to strengthen the institution’s governance. “I have not received further information, but essentially we just need to work properly. I think having a supervisory board is better, plus private supervisors, so if there are things that are not right, they can be reported. So, I am open to all initiatives,” he said in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (23/7). Regarding ongoing legal proceedings, Sudaryono asserted that if any staff or parties are examined, become witnesses, or are named as suspects in alleged corruption cases, it is entirely within the domain and authority of law enforcement. “Therefore, we fully hand over the investigation and inquiry to law enforcement who are upholding the law regarding the governance issues we faced previously. In essence, as the new head of the agency, I will support whatever is needed for law enforcement; we will provide it,” he stated. Amid the legal process, Sudaryono emphasised his commitment to maintaining optimism and motivation within BGN so that the implementation of the national strategic programme to improve the quality of human resources continues to run optimally. “I want my team members who have legal cases, who may become witnesses, suspects, and so on, to follow the process. We are ready to provide full support for law enforcement, but this team, BGN, must continue to work optimally. Therefore, I want to invite the entire team not to get caught up in pessimism and sadness. We must be optimistic,” said Sudaryono. In addition to openness towards internal oversight and legal processes, he also urged the public to participate in supervising the operations of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in the field. If the public finds indications of violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at MBG kitchens, reports can be submitted directly to BGN or the local regional government. “If, for example, a kitchen is not operating correctly, please report it immediately, and we will investigate. We want to uphold what is right, and what is good must also be upheld. Do not let one or two mistakes cause everything else to be considered wrong,” said Sudaryono.