Indonesia’s Free Meals Agency Chief Resigns After Brief Tenure

The chief of Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (NNA) stepped down after roughly 45 days in office. Nanik S. Deyang announced via Facebook that she would seek heart treatment abroad, citing health concerns and the president’s sympathy. Her departure marks the second leadership change at the agency within a month, following the dismissal and arrest of her predecessor, Dadan Hindayana, over corruption allegations tied to the flagship free-meals programme.

Associated Press

President Prabowo Subianto launched the free meals scheme as a central election pledge, promising nutritious meals for nearly 90 million children and pregnant women. The programme, inaugurated in January 2025, has faced criticism for soaring costs, logistical hurdles, and multiple incidents of food poisoning among schoolchildren. After Deyang’s appointment in early June, the government reduced the annual budget from 268 trillion rupiah (about $15 billion) to 229 trillion rupiah (around $12 billion) in an effort to curb spending while improving distribution efficiency.

Associated Press

• Original budget: 268 trillion rupiah (~$15 billion).

Associated Press

• Revised budget: 229 trillion rupiah (~$12 billion).

Associated Press

• Target beneficiaries: ~90 million children and pregnant women.

Associated Press

• Reported incidents: several mass food-poisoning cases since the programme’s launch.

South China Morning Post

President Subianto’s administration expressed concern for Deyang’s health and indicated that she may continue to assist the agency in an oversight capacity. The NNA reported that the recent budget cut is intended to make the programme’s distribution “more effective and targeted,” emphasizing a shift from sheer spending to improved management.

Associated Press

• “I also conveyed to the president with my deepest apologies that it seemed I would have to step down as Head of the National Nutrition Agency, for the sake of my health, and because the president was concerned and sympathetic toward me, he agreed, though he asked that I continue to help oversee the agency,” — Nanik S. Deyang

Associated Press