Indonesia Nutrition Agency Head Resigns After 45 Days, Citing Heart Treatment Need

Nanik S. Deyang resigned as head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) on July 22, 2026, after just 45 days in office. She cited the need for heart treatment abroad, stating she would depart for medical care the same day. President Prabowo Subianto approved her resignation while expressing concern for her well-being. In a Facebook post, Deyang attributed her departure to cardiovascular blockage caused by high cholesterol and work-related stress, noting that managing the agency's large budget caused her severe trauma and insomnia.

Deyang's resignation marks the second leadership change at the nutrition agency in two months. She had been appointed in early June to replace Dadan Hindayana, who was dismissed and later arrested over corruption allegations related to the free meals program. The program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo, aims to provide nutritious meals to approximately 90 million children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers to combat malnutrition.

Agricultural Ministry official Sudjatmoko, age 41 and a close associate of President Prabowo, was sworn in as Deyang's successor on July 22. He pledged to improve governance and adopt a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption within the agency. He acknowledged structural governance problems and said his team would work with full cabinet support to address them.

The free meals program has faced sustained criticism over multiple issues. During Deyang's tenure, the government reduced the annual budget from 268 trillion rupiah ($15 billion) to 229 trillion rupiah (approximately $12 billion)—a reduction following an earlier cut from 335 trillion rupiah in May 2026. Beyond budget pressures, the program has been criticized for food safety incidents, including cases of food poisoning among schoolchildren, and for straining government fiscal space. Deyang emphasized in her statement that the program is a nutrition intervention measure, not a political issue as some have claimed.

Although stepping down as agency head, Deyang may continue involvement through a supervisory council that President Prabowo indicated he would establish, with Deyang potentially serving as chair. Analysts note that Sudjatmoko, as a presidential confidant with direct access to Prabowo, will hold effective decision-making authority, with any advisory role for Deyang likely limited in practical scope.