Watchdog reports nutrition agency heads for holding dual state-firm roles

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has reported the leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to the Ombudsman, alleging maladministration due to their concurrent roles as commissioners or directors in state-owned enterprises (BUMN).

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The practice of concurrent positions by BGN leaders potentially violates the provisions in Law Number 25 of 2009 concerning Public Services.

The report, filed on July 2, 2026, highlights that the Head of BGN, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, serves as a Commissioner for PT Pertamina (Persero). Her deputies, Agustina Arumsari and Trenggono, also hold positions as Deputy Commissioner at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga and Deputy Director at PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, respectively.

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The Head and Deputy Head of BGN qualify as public service providers because BGN is the direct organizer of the MBG program.

Wana Alamsyah, Head of ICW's Law and Investigation Division, stated that these dual appointments potentially violate Law No. 25 of 2009 on Public Services. He argued that BGN leaders are public service providers responsible for the free nutritious meal program and should therefore be prohibited from holding positions in business entities, as stipulated in Article 17 of the Public Service Law.

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The same prohibition absolutely applies to all BGN leaders.

ICW further contends that these roles contradict a Constitutional Court decision from 2025 that bars ministers and deputy ministers from holding concurrent positions in state or private companies. Given that the Head of BGN holds a ministerial-level rank, ICW believes the same prohibition should apply. The watchdog is calling for an investigation and recommendations to President Prabowo Subianto to dismiss the officials, emphasizing that such practices undermine the government's commitment to improving the governance of the nutrition program, especially after previous corruption allegations.

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Instead of conducting a thorough evaluation or stopping the program, the government is maintaining a situation that opens the door to conflicts of interest, abuse of authority, and a reduction in officials' focus on their duties.