Indonesian President 'sad' to replace officials amid corruption probe

President Prabowo Subianto has voiced his sorrow over the necessity of reshuffling leadership at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), a move that involved replacing individuals he deeply trusted. The changes saw Dadan Hindayana removed as Head of BGN, with Nanik Sudaryati Deyang appointed as his successor. Two deputy positions, previously held by retired officials Sony Sanjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, are now filled by Agustina Arumsari and Major General TNI Trenggono.

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I cannot hide that I am saddened, because I was forced to replace people whom I actually love, people whom I trust, people whom I gave a very heavy task for the country.

Speaking at a national consolidation meeting in Sentul, Bogor, Prabowo admitted the decision was difficult. "I cannot hide that I am saddened, because I was forced to replace people whom I actually love, people whom I trust, people whom I gave a very heavy task for the country," he stated. He revealed that he had received reports detailing "shortcomings, irregularities, and indications of misappropriation" by the leadership before making the decision.

However, Prabowo refrained from commenting further on the ongoing legal proceedings to avoid any perception of interference. "I don't want to comment much because they are facing legal investigation issues. Therefore, I must not comment much, lest it seem like I am influencing them. But what is clear is that replacing them was not easy for me," he added.

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So, indeed for some time, I have received reports. There have been shortcomings, there have been irregularities, there have been indications of misappropriations from the leadership.

The situation escalated as prosecutors officially named Dadan Hindayana, Sony Sanjaya, and Lodewyk Pusung as suspects and detained them for alleged corruption in the management of the MBG nutrition program for the 2025-2026 period. The arrests occurred less than 24 hours after their removal from their positions at BGN. Investigators suspect the former officials illicitly benefited by controlling foundations managing nutrition service units through third parties.

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I don't want to comment much because they are facing legal investigation issues. Therefore, I must not comment much, lest it seem like I am influencing them. But what is clear is that replacing them was not easy for me.