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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Indonesian Economist: Nutrition Program Will Remain Problematic Without Governance Reform

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • An Indonesian economist believes the government's free nutrition program will continue to face issues if its management and governance are not improved, regardless of leadership changes.
  • The economist, Noval Adib, stated that the program's budget is not being used effectively, citing examples of questionable expenditures and excessive incentives.
  • He urged the new head of the National Nutrition Agency to overhaul the program's governance to ensure funds are spent efficiently and directly support the program's goals.

An Indonesian economist has argued that changing the leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will not solve the problems plaguing the government's Free Nutrition Program (MBG). Noval Adib, an economist at Brawijaya University, stated that the core issue lies in the program's inefficient management and governance, not solely in the head of the agency.

"The dismissal of Dadan Hindayana and his replacement with Nanik Suryati Dayang will not solve MBG's problems if the management style remains the same," Noval told reporters via a text message on Wednesday. He explained that the BGN has not optimally implemented cost efficiency and budget effectiveness. Consequently, a portion of the budget does not directly contribute to the program's primary objective: improving public nutrition.

The dismissal of Dadan Hindayana and his replacement with Nanik Suryati Dayang will not solve MBG's problems if the management style remains the same.

— Noval AdibAn economist at Brawijaya University commenting on the leadership change at the National Nutrition Agency.

Noval pointed to several expenditures that have drawn criticism, including the cost of event organizers, operational vehicle procurement, and various supporting needs. He also highlighted what he considered excessively large incentives for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). Therefore, Noval urged the new BGN leadership to conduct a comprehensive overhaul of the program's governance. He believes that any activity not adding value to the program's implementation should be evaluated to ensure state funds are used more efficiently.

"MBG's budget is the people's money, so it must be distributed effectively and efficiently," he stated. Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto dismissed Dadan Hindayana from his position as Head of BGN on June 2, 2026. The decision was announced by Minister Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday evening. Nanik Suryati Dayang, formerly the Deputy Head of BGN, has replaced Dadan. BGN is responsible for implementing the Free Nutrition Program, a key initiative of President Prabowo's administration, targeting schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

MBG's budget is the people's money, so it must be distributed effectively and efficiently.

— Noval AdibAn economist at Brawijaya University emphasizing the need for efficient use of public funds for the nutrition program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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