Muhammadiyah pushes for overhaul of Free Nutritious Meal program

Muhammadiyah, a prominent Islamic organization in Indonesia, is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Through its Nutrition Service and Fulfillment Body (BPPGM), Muhammadiyah has pledged to be a strategic partner, committed to ensuring the program's implementation is conducted with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

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Good and accountable governance is the key to optimally achieving the noble goals of this program.

The organization acknowledges the sharp criticisms and feedback the MBG program has recently received. It stresses that a thorough review and improvement are essential for the program to achieve its strategic objectives. Muhammadiyah views the MBG program as a vital initiative to enhance the nutritional quality of the Indonesian population, laying the foundation for a generation that is healthy, strong, intelligent, and competitive.

"Good and accountable governance is the key to optimally achieving the noble goals of this program," stated M. Nurul Yamin, Director of BPPGM. He highlighted Muhammadiyah's extensive network within its educational, health, and social service institutions, which provides the capacity and experience to support this national strategic program. This participation is also rooted in the organization's core values of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan, which prioritize social service, community empowerment, and the welfare of the people as integral parts of its da'wah (preaching) mission.

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By the grace of Allah, with the extensive network of Muhammadiyah's Business Units (AUM) in the fields of education, health, and social services, we have the capacity and experience to help succeed in this national strategic program.

Yamin emphasized that MBG should be seen not merely as a food provision program but as a long-term investment in Indonesia's human capital. Adequate nutrition is a prerequisite for developing a strong and competitive populace. He believes that the ongoing dynamics and criticisms surrounding MBG should serve as a catalyst for strengthening its management system. Muhammadiyah is thus pushing for enhanced governance, professional human resources, and continuous oversight within the program, focusing on three pillars: food safety (halal, tayib, and safe), trustworthy and professional management, and the development of a sustainable ecosystem.

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Therefore, Muhammadiyah continues to push for strengthening governance, human resource professionalism, and a sustainable supervision system in this program.