Indonesia's Nutrition Agency revamps free meal program under new chief

The Indonesian President reshuffled the leadership of the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN), dismissing former heads Dadan Hindayana, Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung and appointing former communications director Nanik S Deyang as its new head, alongside two deputies. The three dismissed officials were arrested on corruption charges linked to the free school‑meal program (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG), including alleged mark‑ups in procurement of motorbikes, shoes and televisions.

Nanik S Deyang has begun a comprehensive reform of the MBG programme. Key measures include refocusing support on the most vulnerable groups – pregnant and lactating women and children under nine – setting a target of 82.9 million beneficiaries for 2026. A moratorium on opening new kitchen sites (SPPG) will allow existing facilities to be standardized and safety‑checked. The programme will also be expanded to remote, underserved regions (the 3T areas) and a budget‑efficiency drive will cut the MBG allocation from Rp 335 trillion to Rp 268 trillion, seeking supplemental funding from grants, CSR and private partners. Public policy observers praised the new direction for its emphasis on transparency, better data validation and stronger governance.