BGN Reiterates Commitment to Openness in Listening to Public Aspirations on MBG

Jakarta — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has reaffirmed its commitment to openness, accountability and transparency in listening to public aspirations to support the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG).

This was conveyed by BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya, who personally met with demonstrators from the Jaringan Muda Indonesia (JMI) at the BGN office on Thursday (21 May) to receive and hear the aspirations expressed by participants.

“We receive these aspirations openly. What the public input and concerns are will, of course, be followed up in accordance with the applicable mechanisms,” Sony said in a formal statement in Jakarta on Friday.

He also stressed that BGN is not anti-criticism and instead views criticism as part of strengthening the agency’s governance to improve in the future. Public aspirations are necessary as part of democracy.

The aspirations presented by the demonstrators, he continued, including allegations of irregularities in procurement of goods within BGN, will be forwarded to the relevant units, including BGN’s main inspectorate, for follow-up in accordance with applicable regulations.

BGN emphasised that all processes of budget management and the procurement of goods and services are conducted based on the principles of good governance, prioritising accountability and layered internal oversight.

BGN also appreciated the orderly and constructive manner in which the aspirations were conveyed, and regarded direct dialogue as an important part of building healthy communication between public institutions and society.

Sony stressed that any information and reports that emerge will be followed up through internal oversight mechanisms in line with applicable rules, and that the agency is prepared to coordinate with law enforcement authorities if necessary.