Anwar Abbas backs moratorium on nutritious meal program, urges focus on poor children

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has implemented a temporary halt on expanding the "Nutritious Meal" (MBG) program, a move that has garnered support from prominent religious leader Anwar Abbas. Abbas, who chairs the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership Council and serves as deputy chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), views the moratorium as an opportunity to refine the program's effectiveness.

Abbas argues that while the MBG program is crucial for combating stunting, its benefits should be prioritized for children from poor and neglected families, aligning with Article 34 of the 1945 Constitution. He contends that wealthy families can already afford nutritious meals, and redirecting government funds to them is an inefficient use of limited resources.

He estimates that focusing the MBG program solely on underprivileged children would require only about 10 percent of the current budget. For 2026, with a revised budget of Rp 268 trillion, this would amount to approximately Rp 26.8 trillion, leaving a substantial Rp 241.2 trillion for other essential needs like salaries and infrastructure development. Abbas also proposed that schools, in collaboration with parent associations and local communities, manage the program to improve food quality, processes, and oversight, enabling quicker problem resolution.