National Nutrition Agency Official Pursued by SPPG Heads Over Alleged Foundation Pressure

Jakarta, Indonesia – Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik S. Deyang was reportedly sought out by heads of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) from Ponorogo while on a working visit in Blitar, East Java, last week. The SPPG heads allege they faced pressure and intimidation from a foundation claiming affiliation with a minister’s family.

Complaints of Pressure and Financial Strain

Somorto, Head of SPPG Ponorogo Kauman, and Syafi’i Misbachul Mufid, Head of SPPG Ponorogo Jambon Krebet, traveled to Blitar to seek protection from Nanik S. Deyang, according to a statement released on Monday, March 16, 2026. They claim the foundation, which manages the Bhakti Bhojana Nusantara Foundation, exerted undue influence over their operations.

For months, the SPPG heads, along with nutrition and financial supervisors, were allegedly subjected to pressure and intimidation. The foundation is also suspected of manipulating food purchases for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Discrepancies in Funding and Personal Expenses

Nanik S. Deyang was informed that while the BGN allocated IDR 10,000 (approximately $0.65 USD based on current exchange rates as of March 16, 2026) per meal portion for ingredients, the foundation reportedly only spent IDR 6,500 (approximately $0.42 USD) per portion. This shortfall forced the SPPG heads to cover the difference from their personal funds to maintain the quality of the MBG meals.

“Like it or not, sir, I feel sorry for the students who are the beneficiaries,” Mufid reportedly told Nanik S. Deyang.

Investigation Launched

Nanik S. Deyang characterized the foundation’s actions as “inhumane and inappropriate.” She stated the foundation allegedly threatened the SPPG heads with legal action if they did not comply with the owner’s demands, who claims to be the grandson of a minister. The foundation allegedly attempted to solicit signatures from volunteers and schools to remove the two SPPG heads.

In response to the complaints, Nanik S. Deyang assigned Brigadier General TNI Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Oversight for Region II, and his team to inspect the MBG kitchens in Ponorogo directly. Nanik S. Deyang expressed her anger over the situation.

Background on Nanik S. Deyang

Nanik S. Deyang was appointed as Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency on September 17, 2025, by President Prabowo Subianto. Prior to this role, she served as Deputy Head of the Badan Percepatan Pengentasan Kemiskinan (Body for Acceleration of Poverty Alleviation) from October 22, 2024, to September 17, 2025, and as an Independent Commissioner at PT Pertamina (Persero) in June 2025. She is a veteran journalist and previously held positions at Tabloid Bangkit and as a commissioner at Pertamina. IDN Times, Wikipedia

The BGN is currently addressing concerns regarding the implementation of the MBG program, including temporary suspensions of SPPGs in South Sulawesi and Eastern Indonesia due to delays and other issues. BGN Ponorogo