House Commission IX Explains Why Meeting with New Nutrition Agency Head Was Held Behind Closed Doors

Jakarta – Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) held its inaugural meeting with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S Deyang, on Monday, 15 June 2026. The meeting, which focused on budget matters, was conducted behind closed doors.

Deputy Chairman of Commission IX, Charles Honoris, explained that the meeting discussed a draft budget that remains uncertain, as the indicative ceiling was prepared by the agency’s previous leadership, who were dismissed by President Prabowo Subianto. The closed format was chosen to prevent public misperception.

“The budget presented is not an accurate figure, so it is better not to convey it openly, rather than risk causing various misperceptions,” Charles told reporters on Monday.

He noted that during the meeting, the BGN presented the indicative ceiling for the 2027 fiscal year set by the government, which amounts to approximately Rp270 trillion. However, he stressed that this is not the final budget the agency will use. “I must give a disclaimer that this budget is not the one that will be approved and used, because it was compiled by the old BGN leadership,” he said.

According to Charles, the new BGN leadership will restructure the programmes to be implemented in 2027. Significant adjustments, including budget efficiency and the number of beneficiaries, are expected to be made on a large scale. “We were assured by our colleagues at BGN that going forward, in 2027, the budget will definitely be much lower. By how much? We do not know yet, and they cannot confirm it either, as the calculation process is still ongoing,” he stated.

Despite the lack of a finalised budget, Charles said Commission IX had to hold the meeting on Monday because the parliamentary budget discussion cycle is underway and cannot be postponed. The 2027 budget scheme for BGN is targeted for completion by June 2026. “While the process is ongoing, we ask our colleagues at BGN to make immediate adjustments according to the needs that will be implemented in 2027,” he said.

Charles added that besides the budget, the meeting also discussed the fate of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), which is set to be suspended. The commission, which oversees social security, also addressed the future design of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.