Budget Efficiency Becomes Focus for New Head of National Nutrition Agency

President Prabowo Subianto has officially inaugurated the new Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang. Nanik replaces Dadan Hidayana, who was implicated in a corruption case. Nanik was inaugurated alongside two new Deputy Heads of the BGN, Agustina Arumsamente and Trenggono, at the State Palace in Central Jakarta. The appointment is formalised under Presidential Decree Number 18 of 2026 regarding the Dismissal and Appointment of the Head and Deputy Heads of the National Nutrition Agency.

Following her inauguration, Nanik explained that under her leadership, the BGN will focus on optimising budget efficiency. She emphasised that efficiency would be pursued without compromising the objective of meeting nutritional needs for children. “Our step is, first and foremost, to focus on budget efficiency. This is to ensure we do not burden the state budget at this time, while maintaining our nutritional targets,” Nanik stated at the State Palace on Monday (8/6/2026).

Several measures are being taken by the BGN to achieve this efficiency, including a moratorium on the opening of new kitchens. Nanik noted that there are currently 27,877 operational kitchen points based on virtual account records. Furthermore, Nanik emphasised that the beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will be refocused to target those in need. She stated that the programme would not be extended to students from higher economic backgrounds, as their nutritional needs are likely already met at home, focusing instead on children requiring direct nutritional intervention.

The Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Charles Honoris Charles, welcomed the new leadership’s focus on improving programme quality over expanding the number of kitchens. He noted that the moratorium on new kitchen construction and the refocusing of beneficiaries are necessary steps to ensure the programme is effective, efficient, and impactful. He added that in the current state of national finances, prioritising improvements over expansion is a wise and responsible choice.

For context, Nanik was appointed by President Prabowo Subianto to replace Dadan Hidayana. The leadership reshuffle follows investigations by the Attorney General’s Office into corruption cases involving the former Head, Dadan, and former Deputy Heads Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, all of whom have been named suspects and are undergoing legal proceedings.