September 27, 2025 | 02:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Director of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, voiced her frustration after receiving a WhatsApp message from a politician who sought influence over the management of the government’s free nutritious meal program (MBG).
She stressed that the program, which directly impacts children’s health, must remain free from political interests.
“Yesterday, a politician texted me asking for kitchen facilities. I replied, ‘You’re a politician. Instead of helping me address the food poisoning cases, you’re asking for kitchens?’ So I blocked him immediately,” Nanik said during a press conference broadcast on BGN’s YouTube channel on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
While she did not disclose the politician’s identity, Nanik made it clear she would not allow political meddling in the program. “It’s unthinkable that politics should interfere with children’s meals. I absolutely refuse that,” she stressed.
Nanik also underlined BGN’s commitment to transparency, particularly regarding recent cases of mass food poisoning linked to the program. She said BGN holds weekly press conferences to ensure the public is fully informed.
“Why shouldn’t these cases be reported? This is about people’s lives. Nothing should be hidden. If anything, you [journalists] should be the first to report it,” she urged.
She acknowledged that journalists play a crucial role in exposing problems in the field, often providing information that local authorities hesitate to share. “Sometimes, regional officials are reluctant to report incidents. That’s where journalists really help us,” she said.
Nanik reaffirmed that BGN would not hesitate to shut down any MBG kitchen found to be in violation of regulations, regardless of who owns it or what political ties they may have.
“Even if it belongs to a general or someone with powerful backing, I will close it down. I don’t care—this is about saving lives,” she concluded.
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