New BGN Chief Sudaryono's First Focus: Governance Overhaul

Sudaryono has been officially inaugurated as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) by President Prabowo Subianto. The former Deputy Minister of Agriculture replaces Nanik S. Deyang, who resigned today. Sudaryono was sworn in by Prabowo at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (22/7/2026). His appointment is based on Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 78/P 2026 concerning the Dismissal and Appointment of the Head of the National Nutrition Agency.

Sudaryono revealed that his first focus after being appointed to lead BGN would be governance reform. He stated that improving governance is a priority to ensure the agency operates more transparently. This was conveyed by Sudaryono after chairing his first meeting with BGN officials at the BGN Office in Central Jakarta. Sudaryono acknowledged that BGN is currently facing governance issues.

“First of all, we are aware, we acknowledge, and we all know that there are problems in our governance. There have been misappropriations, even legal violations, and also other matters, a lack of transparency that has existed so far,” Sudaryono said. He stressed that he does not want to avoid the existing problems. Instead, all BGN staff are asked to be brave in facing and resolving the issues. “So this must be a concern for me, especially as the new head, so that we can resolve this. We must run into the problem, we must be willing to solve the problem, we cannot run away from the problem,” he stated.

According to Sudaryono, one of the main steps to be taken is to build a system-based governance structure so that all processes run according to rules, rather than based on the direction of specific individuals. “What was dark must become light, what was perhaps not transparent must become transparent. What was perhaps manual, dependent on certain persons, must no longer be dependent on persons, it must be by system, trust in system,” he said.

Furthermore, Sudaryono affirmed that his agency is ready to follow up on every report regarding alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme. He urged the public and the media not to hesitate to report if they find problematic MBG kitchens. “And of course, I, especially together with the entire team, am ready to listen to input, ready to listen to every piece of information, input from anywhere, from anyone, including from the media,” said Sudaryono. He then asked the public to report immediately if they find suspected irregularities in MBG kitchens. According to him, every report will be followed up through an investigation process. “If, for example, a kitchen is not right, report it immediately! We will investigate directly. We want to uphold, we will uphold what is right,” he said. However, Sudaryono cautioned that mistakes made by a few parties should not lead to a poor assessment of all MBG implementers. “Do not let one or two mistakes then make others considered wrong as well,” he said.

Sudaryono also warned parties engaging in illegal practices by misusing his name. “I want to use this good moment, covered by all media, to convey that becoming the head is certainly a responsibility and I want to use this media to emphasise to the public that I have family, friends, colleagues, whoever, including alumni and so on,” said Sudaryono. He stated that it is not true if there are parties claiming to be his close associates offering special services for a certain reward. He stressed that he will eradicate abuse of authority in the implementation of the MBG programme. “And I want to convey that as the head, if later there are people, for example, offering services, perhaps for a reward, claiming to be my person, my family, my friend, my colleague, my fellow alumni and others, which feels inappropriate, I assure you that is not true,” he said. “And I ask that the person concerned, for example, be reported to the authorities. Because we are truly serious about handling this matter,” he continued.