Admit BGN Governance Problems, Sudaryono Promises to Eliminate Hidden Practices

JAKARTA - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Sudaryono, admitted that there were still problems in governance in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program. He said that violations arose because of a non-transparent process.

The statement was made by Sudaryono after being inaugurated as the Head of BGN at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 22.

"We admit that there are things that must be improved. We ourselves witnessed violations from the side of the lack of transparency of governance," said Sudaryono.

He places governance improvement as the main work after officially leading BGN. Improvements will be made with two deputy heads and the entire institution.

Sudaryono said the process, which is still done manually, needs to be shifted to a digital system so that it has records that can be checked.

"We have to make what is not transparent transparent. If there is still manual, how can it be digital and have a record," he said.

He also emphasized that closed discussions should no longer occur.

"What is hidden should no longer happen. Everything must be transparent," he said.

According to Sudaryono, openness is important because the Free Nutritious Meal program uses a large budget sourced from the community.

He emphasized that every rupiah must be used according to the program's purpose, namely providing nutritional needs for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.

Sudaryono said BGN is not just distributing food. The program must ensure that recipients receive an intake that meets their nutritional needs.

"This is free nutritious food, not free delicious food or free food," he said.

He invited the public to submit findings and suggestions if they found a strange process. This information will be used as a basis for consideration in making decisions.