National Nutrition Agency Faces Controversy Over Golf Incident During Disaster Review

Public Apology and Program Reaffirmation

Lodewyk Pusung, Deputy Head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has issued a public apology following controversy surrounding the agency's Head, Dadan Hindayana, who was seen playing golf while President Prabowo Subianto was reviewing the recent Sumatra disaster on December 14, 2025. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the agency's priorities during national emergencies.

Commitment to Core Programs

Pusung reaffirmed the agency's commitment to accelerating the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program, a priority initiative under President Prabowo's administration. He emphasized that the program's success requires active public participation and oversight. The deputy head stated that BGN values public scrutiny as part of its accountability to the people it serves.

Context and Public Reaction

The golf incident occurred while the President was conducting an on-ground review of the Sumatra disaster, drawing sharp contrast between the seriousness of the situation and the recreational activity. This contrast has led to significant public backlash, with many questioning the agency's priorities during national crises.

Moving Forward

Pusung's apology and reaffirmation of BGN's commitment to its core programs aim to restore public trust. The agency now faces the challenge of maintaining transparency and demonstrating its dedication to both its nutritional programs and its accountability to the public.