Benjamin Paul becomes a new Deputy Minister of Health, lawmakers immediately retire to oversee MBG

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has officially appointed Benjamin Paul Octavianus as Deputy Minister of Health. Member of Commission IX DPR Ri Nurhadi hopes that Benjamin immediately oversees the free Nutrition Meal (MBG) program. “We hope that the new Deputy Health Minister can immediately strengthen the coordination with the Minister of Health and all related parties to accelerate the solution of different national health problems,” Nurhadi told Nurhadi on Thursday (9/10/2025). Browse to continue with the content Nurhadi said the MBG poisoning case is a serious concern for the DPR. He hopes that there will be quick and measured steps of the new Deputy Minister of Health. “The Deputy Minister of Health must take quick and measured steps immediately and ensure that field investigations are transparent, scientific and thoroughly performed,” he said. Nurhadi then emphasized the importance of cooperation on ministries and institutions. In particular, between the Ministry of Health and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), as well as local governments. In addition, he also insisted that the MBG presidential decision be issued quickly. According to him, it is true that there is clarity in the management of MBG. “Commission IX also hopes to accelerate the preparation of MBG management regulations, so that the liability mechanism is clear,” he said. “Transparency and accountability must be the most important principles, so that this program really has benefits in society and does not cause new problems in the field,” he added. Previously, Benjamin officially served as Deputy Minister of Health. The inauguration was held in the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/10). The decision to appoint Benjamin was indicated in the presidential decision number 32 m of 2025. Prabowo directly led the oath march. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi revealed the reasons for the addition of a new Deputy Minister of Health. Pras said the Ministry of Health is also needed to assist the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). “Secondly for the Deputy Minister of Health, the same is the same because the task of the Ministry of Health is so great and so difficult, including determining various problems that occur at the National Nutrition Agency, the president decided to appoint and add one deputy minister to the Ministry of Health,” he said. (AMW/IDN)