New BGN Chief Speaks Out, Asks for Viral Support and Reveals Prabowo's Special Message
The newly appointed Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has permitted the public and media to continue highlighting and discussing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, even encouraging it to go viral. However, he reminded everyone to ensure that circulating information is based on facts and does not contain hoaxes, slander, or intentional misinterpretation.
Speaking at the BGN headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sudaryono acknowledged that the MBG is a major public programme, making it natural for it to be widely discussed in the national media and on social media. He urged for support and asked that any reporting or posts be truthful. "I understand that people can easily create sensations around the MBG theme, and it can go viral, maybe making them proud. But please, no matter how viral it gets, I want the information reported or posted to be the truth," he said.
He stated that the agency is open to criticism and feedback, but he hopes that news and social media posts do not contain false information. "We are working together. I ask everyone, especially the media, to act wisely and correctly. I am not saying I don’t want to see anything negative, but please, do not report or post news that is untrue," he stressed.
Sudaryono also addressed calls to stop or disband the MBG programme, stating that such demands do not constitute constructive criticism. He emphasised that the MBG is a political promise of President Prabowo Subianto, planned long before and delivered during the campaign, and is now being implemented by the government. The agency’s focus is on improving governance, ensuring the programme provides good and safe nutrition for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly, while also having a positive impact on the economy, especially in villages.
He also warned the public not to trust individuals claiming to have close connections with him to secure special treatment or financial gain. He urged anyone encountering such fraudulent behaviour to report it directly to the authorities, stating he would not protect anyone involved in such actions.
Regarding his leadership, Sudaryono revealed that President Prabowo Subianto gave him a special directive to ensure the programme runs effectively, efficiently, and resolves issues quickly. "The President’s direction is to run into the problem. We must be willing to run and solve the issues," he said, adding that the approach should be carried out by loving the people and using common sense.