Bamsoet: Change of BGN Leadership is Not Enough Without System Improvement

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) assessed that the change of leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) must be the entrance to serious improvements in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

Bamsoet said President Prabowo Subianto's move to replace the leadership of the BGN showed that the government heard the criticism and aspirations of the public regarding the implementation of the MBG.

"President Prabowo showed responsive leadership by making corrections to the BGN," said Bamsoet in Jakarta, Friday, June 5, 2026.

According to him, MBG is a large program that directly touches the needs of the people. Therefore, its management should not be just a matter of course. This program must be accompanied by transparent, accountable, and free from personal and group interests.

Bamsoet assessed that the change of leadership of the BGN should be a warning for all state apparatus. Priority programs should not be used as a shield to misuse state budgets or facilities.

"No one should represent the interests of the people for personal or group interests," said the Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party.

He said that implementing MBG was not easy. The national-scale program must reach schools in cities to remote areas. Challenges include food distribution, food quality supervision, budget management, and human resource readiness in the field.

Therefore, Bamsoet considers periodic evaluation to be a necessity, not a choice. The change of officials is not enough if it is not followed by a change in work culture within the BGN.

"What is much more important than the change of leadership is the development of a work culture that prioritizes wisdom, decency, and responsibility," he said.

Bamsoet also asked for the legal process against the former BGN leader who was said to have been arrested and named a suspect to be professional, objective, and open.

He said law enforcement was needed so that MBG's credibility would not be damaged by alleged abuse of authority.

"Don't let there be the impression that this very good program is stained by the actions of a few individuals," said Bamsoet.

Furthermore, he said, a firm legal step would strengthen public confidence that the government is serious about maintaining the integrity of the MBG program.