Dadan Hindayana Removed as Head of National Nutrition Agency

The Indonesian government has removed Dadan Hindayana from his position as head of the National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN), marking a significant shift in leadership amid the transition to a new presidential administration. The decision was announced by Coordinating Minister for State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi on June 2, 2026, following a presidential directive to restructure the agency’s leadership.

Why the Removal Matters

Hindayana was appointed by President Joko Widodo in August 2024 during the final months of his administration, tasked with overseeing the implementation of a free nutritious meal programme—a key policy initiative of the incoming Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government. His removal, alongside the replacement of two deputy heads (Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sonjaya), suggests a deliberate effort to realign the agency’s direction with the new leadership’s priorities.

The BGN plays a critical role in coordinating national nutrition strategies, including programmes targeting malnutrition and food security. Hindayana’s tenure saw efforts to establish the agency’s operational foundation, though his academic background in plant protection—rather than public health or nutrition—may have influenced the decision to transition leadership.

Did You Know? Hindayana’s academic career spans three decades, including research on agricultural pests and post-mining ecological recovery, but his appointment to the BGN marked his first direct involvement in nutrition policy—a field distinct from his prior expertise.

Possible Next Steps

The new leadership team, now under the oversight of the current administration, could prioritize accelerating the rollout of the free nutritious meal programme, which was a cornerstone of the previous government’s social welfare agenda. Analysts expect the BGN to refocus on data-driven policy adjustments, potentially emphasizing regional disparities in malnutrition rates or aligning with broader economic reforms.

Given the agency’s technical and logistical challenges—such as supply chain coordination and monitoring—experts may scrutinize whether the incoming leaders possess the necessary expertise to sustain momentum. The transition could also trigger debates over the BGN’s long-term independence, as its policies may increasingly reflect the political priorities of the new presidency.

Expert Insight: Leadership changes in technical agencies like the BGN often signal broader shifts in policy emphasis. Hindayana’s departure, while not unprecedented, underscores the need for continuity in nutrition programmes to avoid disruptions in service delivery. The incoming team’s ability to balance political directives with evidence-based strategies will determine the agency’s effectiveness in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who replaces Dadan Hindayana as BGN head?

The source does not specify a new head for the BGN, but the presidential directive confirms the appointment of Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sonjaya as deputy heads, implying a collective leadership restructuring.

BREAKING NEWS: Prabowo Copot Kepala BGN Dadan Hindayana

What was Hindayana’s background before leading the BGN?

Hindayana is a professor at the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), specializing in plant protection. He holds a PhD and has published research on agricultural pests and ecological recovery, though his prior work was unrelated to nutrition policy.

How long had Hindayana served as BGN head?

Hindayana was appointed in August 2024 and served until his removal on June 2, 2026—a tenure of approximately 1 year and 10 months.

As Indonesia’s nutrition programmes evolve under new leadership, how might local communities and stakeholders ensure their voices remain central to policy decisions?