Sudaryono Pledges to Listen to Predecessor's Input as New Head of National Nutrition Agency

Sudaryono has wished former National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Nanik S. Deyang a swift recovery. Sudaryono, who has been appointed as the new Head of BGN, stated he would listen to input from Nanik. “Earlier this afternoon I received a call from the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Teddy, and confirmed that today I will be officially inaugurated to replace Mrs Nanik, who resigned due to health reasons. We wish Mrs Nanik a speedy recovery and good health,” Sudaryono said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (22/7/2026). “Today I fulfil the obligation to assume the mandate as the new Head of the National Nutrition Agency,” he added. Sudaryono considers Nanik a senior figure with experience at BGN and affirmed he would listen to her input regarding the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme. “I think Mrs Nanik, regardless, has experience as deputy chair, as deputy head, and also as head. So, I think we will certainly listen to her input. This includes listening to all parties, of course,” Sudaryono stated. Sudaryono mentioned that there were issues and violations that occurred during the implementation of the MBG programme and said he would not be averse to feedback. “We do not deny that there are indeed problems, even violations, we are aware of that and we deplore it. Therefore, we want to listen to constructive input from various parties, including from Mrs Nanik,” Sudaryono said. Sudaryono also stated he would listen to assessments from other BGN leaders, emphasising that BGN is a team, not an individual. “Of course, the first thing I must hear is the internal assessment. I have two deputies, planned to be Mrs Arum and Mr Trenggono, along with the entire staff. This is teamwork, it does not mean I have to fix everything alone. This is teamwork, there is no superman, but there is a super team,” he remarked.