New BGN chief vows transparency, denies kitchen ownership amid corruption scrutiny

New BGN chief vows transparency, denies kitchen ownership amid corruption scrutiny

Sudaryono, the newly appointed head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has firmly denied any ownership stake in kitchens serving the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and pledged strict transparency as he assumes leadership of the troubled multi-billion-dollar initiative.

Speaking to reporters after his swearing-in by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sudaryono categorically stated that neither he nor his family members own any nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs), the official term for MBG kitchens.

"No, no, no, neither I nor my family members own SPPGs; we do not own any kitchens," Sudaryono emphasized, addressing concerns that have plagued the program since its inception.

The 41-year-old official, who previously served as deputy minister of agriculture after being appointed in July 2024, inherits one of Indonesia's largest and most ambitious social welfare programs. The MBG initiative targets 82.9 million beneficiaries, including students, toddlers, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across the archipelago. As of April 2026, the program had reached approximately 62 million people, a dramatic expansion from the 570,000 served by just 190 kitchens when it launched in January 2025.

The program operates with a substantial budget of Rp268 trillion (approximately US$14.7-15 billion) for 2026, reduced from an initial allocation of Rp335 trillion following President Prabowo's directive to improve spending efficiency.

Zero tolerance for corruption

Sudaryono's emphasis on transparency comes as the agency grapples with a corruption scandal that led to the arrest of his predecessor. Dadan Hindayana was detained on June 3, 2026, one day after President Prabowo dismissed him, along with two former deputy heads Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sonjaya. Hindayana faced allegations of affiliation with foundations selected as meal program partners and pushing procurement of equipment deemed unnecessary for the initiative.

"I have zero tolerance for corrupt practices," Sudaryono declared, assuring the public of his commitment to serving "to the best of my ability in the cleanest manner possible."

The new BGN chief urged citizens to report any misuse of his name for illicit activities, such as soliciting rewards or offering services related to the program. He pledged not to provide preferential treatment to family members, friends, or colleagues in agency matters.

"I want problems and issues to be resolved or followed up according to applicable mechanisms and systems," he affirmed, stressing the importance of enforcing public access to problem-solving processes.

Qualifications and appointment

According to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Sudaryono was selected because he participated from the beginning in discussions on the MBG program's concept and technical implementation. His experience as deputy minister of agriculture was considered valuable for strengthening the food supply chain supporting the initiative.

Born in Grobogan, Central Java, on January 23, 1985, Sudaryono previously served as chairperson of the Gerindra Party's Central Java Regional Leadership Council before joining the agriculture ministry.

He replaces Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who resigned after less than two months in office citing health reasons. The National Nutrition Agency itself is relatively new, having been established on August 15, 2024, through Presidential Regulation Number 83 of 2024, signed by then-President Joko Widodo to facilitate President-elect Prabowo's flagship program.

The MBG program carries national priority status, with characteristics that Sudaryono acknowledged require transparent and accountable management to sustain public trust in its implementation.