Removed then became a suspect, Prabowo admits that it is difficult to stop Dadan Hindayana

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto admitted that it was difficult to make the decision to remove Dadan Hindayana from his position as head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Although he has professional closeness and has given awards to Dadan, Prabowo emphasized the importance of the nation and the success of the free nutritious meal program (MBG) must be the top priority.

Prabowo made the statement while attending the National Consolidation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor, Wednesday, June 3.

"I say it's hard for me. When I signed (the removal of my position) it was hard. This is the person I raised, this is the person I gave stars, I gave ranks," said Prabowo.

Dadan Hindayana previously received the Bintang Jasa Utama honorary mark from President Prabowo on February 13, 2026. The award was given as a form of appreciation for his leadership in accelerating the implementation of the free nutritious meal program.

However, just a few months after receiving the award, Dadan was officially removed from his position as head of the BGN on Tuesday, June 2. At the same time, Prabowo also dismissed two deputy heads of the BGN, namely Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sanjaya.

A day after the removal, Dadan Hindayana along with Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sanjaya were named as suspects by the Attorney General's Office, Wednesday.

The three are suspected of being involved in a corruption case related to irregularities in the management of the free nutritious meal program. Currently, the suspects have been detained to undergo further legal proceedings.

Prabowo emphasized that the decision to remove the BGN leadership was not an easy step. However, in recent times, he has received a number of reports regarding deficiencies, irregularities, and indications of deviations in the governance of the institution which is the spearhead of the implementation of the MBG program.

To ensure the validity of the reports received, Prabowo admitted that he had asked for an in-depth and verification to a number of related institutions, including the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) and the Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK).

According to Prabowo, this step is necessary because the free nutritious meal program is one of the government's strategic programs that concern the interests of millions of Indonesian people.

"This is a very, very important program for the nation and the state," said Prabowo.

He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the integrity and success of the MBG program so that it runs transparently, accountable, and free from practices of deviation.

Prabowo believes that the benefits of the free nutritious meal program are not only focused on meeting the nutritional needs of Indonesian children. The program is also believed to be an important instrument in reducing poverty, improving public health, strengthening the intelligence of the younger generation, and driving the wheels of the economy to the regions.

As a step to improve, Prabowo appointed new leaders of the National Nutrition Agency. The position of head of the BGN is now held by Nanik S Deyang, while the position of deputy head of the BGN is entrusted to Agustina Arum Sari and Major General TNI Trenggono.