DPR Urges Successor to Resigning Nutrition Agency Head to Evaluate Free Nutritious Meals Programme

The House of Representatives (DPR) has called for the next head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to conduct a thorough evaluation and redesign of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. This follows the resignation of BGN chief Nanik S Deyang due to heart treatment. Lawmakers stressed that the leadership change must be a momentum for improving the programme’s governance, ensuring it is safer, more accountable, and fiscally sustainable.

Deputy Chairman of House Commission IX, Charles Honoris, stated that he respects Nanik S Deyang’s decision to step down and wished her a speedy recovery. However, he emphasised that her successor must be bold in evaluating and redesigning the entire MBG programme to ensure it is better targeted, safer, more accountable, and aligned with the nation’s fiscal capacity.

“A change in leadership should not be viewed merely as a change of figure. What is far more important is the momentum to carry out comprehensive improvements to the governance of the MBG programme,” Charles said. He added that Commission IX will continue its oversight function to ensure the leadership transition marks the beginning of improvements, rather than just a change in position, and that the public truly benefits from this flagship programme of President Prabowo Subianto.

Nanik S Deyang announced her resignation on her personal Facebook account, indicating she had bid farewell to President Prabowo to undergo heart treatment. She hinted that her successor is someone she knows well, referring to the individual as a “younger sibling” who has been within her working circle, though she did not explicitly name them.