Sudaryono Appointed Head of National Nutrition Agency, Seeks Support for Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono has requested prayers and support following his appointment by President Prabowo Subianto as the new head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), succeeding Nanik S. Deyang. He expressed enthusiasm for the new role but acknowledged the immense responsibility of implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

Sudaryono stated that he has closely followed the development of the MBG programme from the outset, noting it was a priority for President Prabowo long before the campaign. “The MBG programme was actually a priority programme of the President that was discussed well before the campaign, then became campaign material, and after he was inaugurated as President, it was to be implemented,” Sudaryono said at the Ministry of Agriculture office in Jakarta on Wednesday (22/7/2026).

He confirmed the appointment came via a telephone call from Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and was later announced by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. Sudaryono said his immediate focus is to perform his duties to the best of his ability once formally inaugurated. “I ask for your prayers so that I can be trustworthy and successful in carrying out this task,” he said, declining to comment on current issues facing the agency until he officially assumes the role.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the appointment is definitive and that Sudaryono will not hold concurrent positions, meaning he must step down from his role as Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Hadi added that the government has no immediate plans to fill the vacant deputy minister position.