BGN Chief Vows No More Secret Meetings on Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has asserted that there will be no more clandestine or secret meetings regarding the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, emphasising transparency to improve the governance of this national priority initiative. “I said earlier, if people are whispering, holding secret meetings, four-eyes meetings, enough. Let’s be open about it. Indonesia must be bright, no need for darkness. Things done in the dark are usually suspicious, I think that’s the case,” he said at the BGN Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, following his inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto. He stressed the importance of working for the people and using common sense in running the MBG Programme, both for BGN internal staff, partners, and the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), as well as the wider community. “I said earlier, love your people and use your common sense,” he stated. “People easily create sensations around the MBG theme, it goes viral, maybe they feel proud. But my point is, no matter how viral it gets, it’s fine, but I want the truth to be reported or uploaded. If there is a violation, let the truth of that violation be reported, don’t let there be hoaxes or slander.” During a press conference after the inauguration ceremony at the State Palace, Sudaryono also confirmed that neither he nor his family owns any free nutritious meal kitchens. This fact was disclosed to emphasise that there is no conflict of interest for him or his family in the implementation of the MBG Programme. He vowed not to tolerate any corrupt practices, kickbacks, or embezzlement within the BGN and the execution of the MBG. He explained that MBG is a priority programme with a large budget and nationwide coverage, therefore its implementation must be transparent and accountable, and every policy must be justifiable to the public.