RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has appointed a new head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) after the previous chief resigned just 50 days into the role. The leadership change comes amid a major evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program managed by the agency, following the detention of its first chief on corruption allegations.

Former Indonesian Vice Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, was sworn in as head of the BGN by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. President Prabowo personally administered Sudaryono's oath of office.

"In carrying out the duties of my office, I will uphold the ethics of the position, perform my duties to the best of my ability, and do so with a full sense of responsibility," the President recited as he led the oath.

After taking the oath, Sudaryono signed the official oath-taking document, formally marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the BGN. Prabowo, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, then congratulated Sudaryono with a handshake, followed by other invited guests.

In addition to serving as Vice Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono has previously been involved in various food-related activities, including active participation in the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI). A former assistant to Prabowo in the early 2010s, he also served as chairman of a food sector company, Boga Halal Nusantara.

Sudaryono replaces the previous BGN chief, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who resigned on the same day due to health reasons. During her tenure, which began on June 2, 2026, Nanik oversaw reforms to the implementation system of the Free Nutritious Meals program.

The BGN came under intense public scrutiny after its first head, Dadan Hindayana, was detained by the Attorney General's Office in connection with alleged corruption in the MBG governance during his tenure. Dadan is accused of committing corruption in the selection of locations for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), the production facilities for MBG meals, among other issues.

After being appointed to succeed Dadan, Nanik sought to refocus the Free Nutritious Meals program on underdeveloped regions and abandoned the previous target of reaching up to 82 million beneficiaries. She also suspended the program during the school holiday period on early July to evaluate and improve its implementation system.