Indonesia's nutrition chief defends Prabowo's free meal program

The newly appointed head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has responded to criticism urging the cancellation of the free nutritious meal program (MBG). Sudaryono asserted that while he welcomes criticism, the program will not be stopped.

"The Nutritious Meal is President Prabowo's political tender," Sudaryono stated after his first meeting at the BGN office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. "It was planned long ago, announced during the campaign, and then he was elected President."

Sudaryono emphasized that the BGN's role is to improve governance, ensure good and safe nutrition, and generate positive economic effects, particularly in villages. "This is a program from the people and will be given to the people. Once again, we are listening. I am listening, we are listening," he added.

He also addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, stating he has no personal stake in the program. "I don't have any SPPGs [nutrition fulfillment service units]. I don't have a kitchen. None of my family has a kitchen," he said, referring to entities that receive government incentives to provide the meals.

Sudaryono acknowledged existing issues in the program's implementation, including a past corruption case involving the former head of BGN. "We ourselves have witnessed that there have been violations in terms of governance that were not transparent," he admitted. He replaced Nanik S. Deyang, who resigned for health reasons. Deyang, a long-time supporter of Prabowo, previously defended the program, stating it was not politically motivated.