BGN Chief Vows Transparency, Warns Against Personal Connections in Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Jakarta, VIVA – The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has affirmed that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme must proceed openly, transparently and in accordance with proper procedures.

Although he has family, close friends, colleagues and an alumni network, he stressed that personal closeness to him must not be used to obtain projects, employment or any form of convenience in the execution of the MBG Programme.

He also assured that he would give no special priority to family, friends, colleagues or associates in matters of work within the BGN.

“If, for instance, someone offers services, perhaps in exchange for payment, claiming to be my person, my family, my friend, my associate, my fellow alumnus and so on, in a manner that seems improper, I can assure you that it is not true,” Sudaryono said in a statement on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Sudaryono called on the public to report anyone misusing his name to the law enforcement authorities. According to him, this firmness is necessary to protect the MBG Programme from broker practices, abuse of influence and various forms of deviation.

He also offered an apology to family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, as he would not provide special treatment when discussions concern work within the BGN.

In his view, personal closeness cannot serve as the basis for obtaining projects, expediting follow-ups or securing particular advantages, because all matters and proposals must be processed through the applicable rules.

“I will not give special attention or any kind of priority if the discussion concerns work,” he said.

Sudaryono stressed that every matter relating to the BGN and the MBG Programme must be discussed officially, openly, and in a manner that can be monitored by the public and professionals, with the entire process carried out in accordance with prevailing procedures.

“So we are no longer relying on trust in a person and talking in dimly lit rooms, dark private rooms, in restaurants. Everything must be discussed in bright, transparent rooms, visible to others. I think that is important for me to convey,” Sudaryono said.

He also invited the entire BGN staff and MBG Programme implementers to build a clean and accountable working system, whilst appealing for public and media support to help monitor the programme’s implementation.