New UII Rector Pledges University Will Not Manage Free Meal Program

Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) will not manage the government's ambitious free nutritious meal program (MBG), according to its newly elected rector, Hari Purnomo. Purnomo, who will lead the Yogyakarta-based university for the 2026-2030 term, replacing Fathul Wahid, stated that UII's focus will remain on enhancing educational quality and research.

This decision aligns with the stance of the outgoing rector, Fathul Wahid, who had vocally opposed the MBG program, viewing it as a distraction from the university's core mission. Wahid had participated in public demonstrations protesting the program, which is a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. He argued that universities should concentrate on improving education, research, community service, and critical thinking, rather than being burdened with operational roles.

Purnomo emphasized that UII will concentrate on developing research, noting that much existing research remains unused. He also aims to improve graduate employability and prepare them for technological disruptions, including artificial intelligence. This focus on academic and research excellence is seen as a continuation of Wahid's policies.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, along with the National Nutrition Agency, has encouraged universities to participate in the MBG program. Minister Brian Yuliarto and Agency Head Dadan Hindayana have promoted the initiative, citing the example of Universitas Hasanuddin, which has already established an MBG kitchen. They believe universities should move beyond research and actively contribute to implementing government policies, particularly in ensuring child nutrition. However, UII has not yet received any official instruction to establish an MBG kitchen.