Sudaryono Appointed Head of National Nutrition Agency, to Drive Prabowo's Free Meal Program

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono as the new Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). This appointment is aimed at strengthening the framework for advancing the 'Free Meal Program,' a key campaign promise of the President. The announcement was made by Minister of State Secretary Prasetio Hadi at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Minister Prasetio cited Sudaryono's deep involvement from the conceptualization stage of the free meal program and his dedication to formulating its implementation plan as reasons for the appointment. "Mr. Sudaryono has been involved since the program's inception, engaging in discussions and concretizing the implementation methods," the minister explained. Sudaryono is scheduled to take his oath of office on the same day, ensuring there will be no vacuum in the operations of the National Nutrition Agency. Sudaryono's background traces back to his upbringing as the son of a farmer in Grobogan Regency, Central Java, where he developed discipline and a sense of responsibility from an early age. Known for his academic excellence, he received scholarships to study at the National Defense Academy of Japan. He later earned a Master's degree in Management from Swiss German University and a doctorate from IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University). Professionally, after serving as Corporate Secretary at Nusantara Energy in 2014, he became CEO of Garuda TV in 2018. Since 2021, he has led the Indonesian Market Traders Association (APPSI) and, through the 'Warung Juang' initiative, which forms the basis of the free meal program, has provided access to capital for small market businesses. In his political career, Sudaryono was appointed as Prabowo Subianto's personal assistant in 2010. He subsequently held positions such as Deputy Secretary General of the Gerindra Party (2020) and Head of the Central Java Provincial Party Chapter (2023). Following his tenure as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, he has now been appointed to this significant role. Source: Liputan6