Presidential Staff Chief Dudung Reveals Reasons Behind Prabowo's Removal of BGN Head
The Presidential Staff Chief, Dudung Abdurlyachman, has emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to remove Dadan Hindayana from his position at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is a strategic effort to strengthen transparency and accountability. This decisive step was taken to ensure that the flagship Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme remains free from corrupt practices.
Dudung believes the decision was based on an in-depth evaluation conducted by the President regarding various reports and data. He noted that restructuring the BGN is crucial to ensure this national priority programme stays on track. “I am confident that the President has long been receiving information, closely observing, analysing, and evaluating various sources. Therefore, I believe this is the right step for future improvements, making the BGN increasingly transparent and accountable,” Dudung stated in a written briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.
The removal comes under public scrutiny following a search by the Attorney General’s Office at the BGN offices on Wednesday, just one day after the announcement of the removal of several agency leaders. Dudung assessed that the information received by the President provided a strong basis for internal cleansing.
The former Army Chief of Staff also revealed that he had conducted a spot inspection in the field about a month ago. During that inspection, he found several disparities in programme implementation at the local level, although general aspects were still functioning well. “The President wants perfection, ensuring that no deviations from his programme occur,” Dudung asserted.
Moving forward, the focus for improving the BGN will not only target the technical aspects of food distribution but also address the root of management and the overall governance system. Dudung emphasised the importance of strict supervision throughout the entire implementation chain, from the managing foundations to the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).
“From my perspective, the focus should be on how the management itself must be improved,” he added.
The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) is committed to objectively monitoring the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme. This step is taken without compromise to support the national nutrition targets while maintaining public trust in the use of the state budget allocated for the programme.