In an online statement Wednesday, Deyang said her resignation did not diminish her support for MBG, a people-oriented initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto to improve human resources.
“Let’s set the perception straight so we can align steps toward supporting MBG as a noble program intended to help shape a better future,” Deyang wrote on Facebook.
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Deyang said MBG had stimulated grassroots economic activity by increasing demand for produce from farmers and livestock breeders across Indonesia.
“Farmers and livestock breeders voiced discontent when their produce went unsold and prices dropped during the recent three-week school holiday and MBG suspension,” she said.
Deyang said she had laid the groundwork for improving MBG’s implementation despite leading BGN for less than two months, including replacing senior officials.
Dirgayuza Setiawan, a special assistant to the president for communication and policy, confirmed Deyang resigned because of health problems.
“Today, Madam Nanik Deyang bade farewell to President Prabowo to undergo heart treatment while stepping down from her leadership role at BGN,” he said.
The government acknowledged Deyang’s contributions, including evaluating nearly 28,000 MBG kitchens, classifying 3,000 under quality standards, and halting expansion in areas with excess capacity.
Later Wednesday, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo would inaugurate a new BGN chief at the State Palace.
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“Mr. President has decided to appoint Mr. Sudaryono, currently agriculture deputy minister, to lead BGN,” Prasetyo told reporters.
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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