UII Rector Rejects Government's Free Meal Program Management

Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Rector Fathul Wahid has firmly rejected the government's proposal to involve universities in managing the free nutritious meal program (MBG). In a statement to Tempo, Wahid emphasized that universities have a core mandate to enhance education, research, and community service, while crucially maintaining critical thinking towards state policies. He argued that burdening universities with operational roles, such as managing MBG kitchens, detracts from these strategic missions and could compromise their independence.

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Kampus punya mandat meningkatkan mutu pendidikan, riset, pengabdian masyarakat, dan menjaga nalar kritis.

Wahid expressed strong reservations about the MBG project itself, highlighting public criticism regarding its substantial budget, which he fears could strain the national fiscal space and divert funds from other critical sectors, including education. He pointed out that the MBG project consumes nearly 30 percent of the total education budget, with no guarantee that these funds will effectively reach those most in need. He views the government's request for universities to manage these kitchens as an attempt to relegate academic institutions to mere 'event organizers,' thereby diminishing their stature.

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Perguruan tinggi tidak boleh menjadi tumbal bagi program pemerintah yang menyisakan banyak persoalan dalam tata kelola, ketepatan sasaran, dan beban anggaran negara.

This is not the first time Rector Wahid has vocally opposed government initiatives he deems problematic. He has been a prominent critic of the MBG project, participating in protests and public discussions. Notably, he joined the "Ibu-Ibu Berisik" (Noisy Mothers) protest in December 2025, part of a coalition urging the government to halt the MBG program due to reported mass food poisoning incidents in various regions. His activism extends to other political issues, having previously demonstrated against the revision of the TNI Law, which he believes grants excessive power to the military.

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Mengaburkan fungsi kampus dan mengurangi sikap kritis terhadap kebijakan negara.

Wahid's position contrasts sharply with that of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, represented by Minister Brian Yuliarto, who, alongside the National Nutrition Agency head Dadan Hindaya, encouraged universities to actively participate in implementing government policies like MBG. This divergence highlights a tension between academic autonomy and the government's push for institutional involvement in social welfare programs. From an Indonesian perspective, Wahid's stance champions the vital role of universities as independent centers of critical thought, rather than mere implementers of government agendas, especially when those agendas raise significant financial and ethical questions.

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Perguruan tinggi, kata dia, bukan operator program teknis pemerintah untuk mengelola dapur MBG. Pembukaan dapur MBG justru merendahkan posisi kampus hanya sekadar event organizer.