Foreign Media Highlight Prabowo's Replacement of National Nutrition Agency Head

International media outlets are closely monitoring President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to replace the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). On Tuesday evening, Prabowo dismissed Dadan Hindayana from his position and appointed Nanik Sudaryati Deyang as the new leader of the agency.

“Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday sacked the head of the agency responsible for his flagship free school meal programme, which has been marred by mass food poisoning cases and corruption allegations,” reported the French news agency AFP on Wednesday. The article, titled “Indonesian president sacks head of free meal scheme,” noted that this multi-billion dollar programme was a central pillar of Prabowo’s 2024 election campaign.

While the government stated that food has been provided to over 61 million people as of March, tens of thousands have fallen ill since the programme’s launch in January last year. Dadan, an entomologist who had led the BGN since its inception, was recently reported to Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) over alleged budget irregularities.

According to AFP, Dadan informed parliament last year that the programme was responsible for at least 11,000 cases of food poisoning, with over 600 people hospitalised. President Prabowo has acknowledged these issues and pledged to take action against anyone found guilty of misconduct. The government aims for the programme to provide meals to at least 82.9 million children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, covering approximately one-third of the national population.

British outlet BBC also highlighted the situation, titling its report “Indonesia’s Prabowo fires head of free meals scheme plagued by mass poisonings.” The BBC noted that Dadan’s dismissal occurred a week after Indonesia’s anti-corruption watchdog filed a complaint alleging budgetary inconsistencies across various kitchens. Dadan is succeeded by his deputy, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, a former journalist and member of Prabowo’s 2024 campaign team. The BBC further noted that Dadan had faced criticism for controversial statements, including suggestions that individuals should consume two litres of milk daily and proposals to include insects and sago worms in the free meal menus.