Images of Dadan Hindayana Performing Hajj Emerge Following Dismissal as Head of National Nutrition Agency and Suspect Status

Images of Dadan Hindayana performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have become a subject of intense public discussion. The moments have regained attention after President Prabowo Subianto officially dismissed Dadan from his position as Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

In posts circulating on social media via the Instagram account @respons.media, Dadan is seen performing worship in the Holy Land. Dressed in white, he appears smiling amidst the pilgrimage rituals conducted alongside his wife.

These moments are now under scrutiny as they occurred only days before the government announced the leadership change at the BGN, the agency responsible for implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Prior to his dismissal, Dadan had just completed one of the most significant spiritual journeys of his life. Alongside his wife, he travelled to Saudi Arabia via the regular Hajj route after waiting for approximately 12 years.

Dadan revealed that he had registered for the Hajj in 2014 and only received the opportunity to depart this year. “We both registered since 5 May 2014, so after 12 years of waiting, we were finally called this year,” Dadan stated at King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as reported by VIVA on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

While in Saudi Arabia, Dadan did not only perform religious duties. He also took the opportunity to visit the Indonesian School in Jeddah to discuss the potential development of the Free Nutritious Meal programme for Indonesian children living abroad. According to Dadan, this idea has been presented to President Prabowo Subianto for further consideration. “If approved by the President, this will serve as the first pilot project (MBG abroad),” he said.

After completing the pilgrimage rituals, Dadan returned to Indonesia on the night of Monday, 1 June 2026, as part of the first wave of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia. Shortly after arriving in the country, he immediately returned to his official duties. On Tuesday morning, Dadan accompanied President Prabowo during a visit to the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Palmerah, West Jakarta.