The Student Executive Body of Universitas Gadjah Mada (BEM-KM UGM) held a symbolic action and discussion on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program at the UGM Roundabout on Wednesday (Sep. 24). During the action, BEM-KM UGM highlighted concerns over the MBG program, which has led to cases of food poisoning affecting 6,542 children in several regions.
BEM-KM UGM argued that the MBG program violates human rights by undermining children’s right to education. This refers to the 2026 State Budget (APBN), where the constitutionally mandated 20 percent allocation for education has been cut by 44 percent to finance MBG.
From the total IDR 757.3 billion that should have been allocated to education, a significant portion was diverted to the program.
“This is a betrayal of the constitution. The constitution clearly mandates that 20 percent of the APBN be allocated to education, but MBG is eroding this provision. If the president does not halt or thoroughly evaluate this program, more Indonesian children will be at risk of becoming victims,” said BEM-KM UGM President Tiyo Ardianto.
Through this action, BEM-KM UGM urged the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG program.
They emphasized that strict oversight is crucial to prevent further children from falling victim to food poisoning. Without proper supervision, said Ardianto, MBG would only extend the list of human rights violations.
He further emphasized that the president must review the program in its entirety, as it threatens the health of Indonesian children.
In addition to the MBG issue, BEM-KM UGM also raised concerns over President Prabowo’s statement on the Palestinian conflict.
In his speech, the president described the two-state solution as the way forward in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. For BEM-KM UGM, this statement contradicts the constitution and Indonesia’s historical stance of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“Our position on any form of colonialism in the world is to oppose it. We do not accept colonialism in any form. Therefore, the two-state solution is a betrayal of the constitution. The stance that the president should convey interprets and articulates the will of the Indonesian people in line with the constitution,” Ardianto asserted.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photograph: Jesi