DIGIVESTASI - Free Nutritious Meal Program Sparks Debate, Proposal to Use Zakat Funds Draws Attention

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has once again captured public attention after the Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of Indonesia, Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, proposed utilizing public zakat funds to support the program's financing. “How can we encourage the general public to participate in the Free Nutritious Meal program? One of my ideas is to integrate the substantial zakat funds to support this program,” Sultan said at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).

Sultan emphasized that financing the MBG program cannot rely solely on government funds. He highlighted the importance of support from various parties, including international entities. “I have discussed this with several ambassadors and sought their support for this program. We want other countries to contribute as well,” Sultan stated.

He also expressed gratitude for Japan’s support. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, committed to contributing to the MBG program. Sultan hopes the parliament can formulate strategies to ensure the program runs effectively.

Criticism Over Zakat Funds Proposal

However, the proposal to use zakat funds has drawn criticism. Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP), AM Putranto, firmly rejected the idea.

“That proposal is disgraceful. There are no plans to use zakat funds for the Free Nutritious Meal program. The President has already allocated IDR 71 trillion for this program, so there is no need to draw from zakat funds,” Putranto stated at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).

Putranto explained that the allocated budget is intended for students, pregnant women, and Islamic boarding schools. He stressed that the government has provided sufficient funds without involving zakat.

Echoing Putranto’s sentiment, Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Saleh Partaonan Daulay, suggested that the proposal be reviewed thoroughly in consultation with religious scholars.

“There needs to be a comprehensive study. Don’t rush this. Consult ulama from NU, Muhammadiyah, MUI, and others. This is a religious issue, and scholars are the ones who should provide a fatwa regarding the allocation of zakat funds for government programs,” Saleh said on Thursday (January 16, 2025).

The Need for Collaboration

The debate over the use of zakat funds highlights the need for better coordination among the government, society, and religious leaders to ensure that the MBG program can be implemented optimally while adhering to applicable principles.