Indonesian Coalition Challenges State Budget Over Free Meal Program Funding

The Coalition for Saving Indonesian Education (KOSPI) has submitted its concluding arguments to the Constitutional Court regarding a judicial review of the 2026 State Budget Law. The core of their challenge lies in the significant allocation of funds towards the 'Free Nutritious Meal' (MBG) program, which they argue is being prioritized over fundamental educational needs.

KOSPI's legal representatives highlighted that the government's increased budget for the National Nutrition Agency, a fourfold rise compared to the previous year, has coincided with a decrease in budget transfers to regions. This shift, they claim, has hampered teacher welfare and the development of school infrastructure across the country.

According to KOSPI coordinator Satriwan Salim, the inclusion of Rp 223 trillion for the MBG program within the education budget has negatively impacted students' right to education and teachers' welfare. He pointed out that this allocation potentially conflicts with a previous Constitutional Court ruling mandating free basic education, as communities may still bear various educational costs.

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We are trying to save education in Indonesia by returning it to the constitution.

Furthermore, Salim expressed concern over the unresolved welfare issues for teachers, particularly part-time contract teachers (PPPK). Many receive meager monthly incomes ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 300,000. He contrasted this with the substantial portion of the education budget allocated to the MBG program, noting that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education received only around Rp 56 trillion, while the MBG program's implementing body received approximately 30% of the total education budget of Rp 769 trillion.

KOSPI asserts that the use of education funds must align with Article 31 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates a minimum of 20% of the state and regional budgets be allocated to education. This education must also adhere to the eight National Education Standards, encompassing aspects from curriculum to infrastructure and financing. The coalition believes the MBG program, as currently implemented, does not meet these constitutional requirements.

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The inclusion of the MBG budget in the education budget is actually taking away the right to education or the constitutional rights of our children, including teachers.