BEM UI Criticizes Official's Stance on 'Free Nutritious Meals' Program

The Indonesian Student Executive Body of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) has sharply criticized M Qodari, Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), for claiming that the 'Makan Bergizi Gratis' (MBG), or Free Nutritious Meals program, is unstoppable. BEM UI coordinator for Socio-Political Affairs, Hafidz Haernanda, challenged Qodari's reasoning, which cited political promises and existing beneficiaries as justifications for the program's continuation.

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First, political promises. Second, because MBG already has beneficiaries.

Haernanda argued that in a democracy, the voice of the people should hold more weight than political pledges made during campaigns. He questioned whether a candidate's promise holds greater significance than the will of the electorate. Furthermore, he dismissed the argument that a program should persist simply because it has beneficiaries, labeling this logic as fundamentally flawed.

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Logically, is it true that a policy that is quote-on-quote already enjoyed by some cannot be stopped? Clearly, that is totally wrong.

BEM UI emphasized that populist initiatives like MBG and the 'Koperasi Desa Merah Putih' should not come at the expense of other citizens' fundamental rights. Qodari had previously stated that there was no room for negotiation to halt the MBG program, framing it as a political contract with President Prabowo Subianto. He urged critics to consider the needs of the 90 million people who supported Prabowo, suggesting the program is a commitment that must be fulfilled.

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There is no room for negotiation to stop the MBG program. Because it is the vision, mission, and political contract of Mr. Prabowo.