Medan: Tokoh Dukung MBG, Harus Awasi Pelaksanaannya

On 19 Juni 2026, a gathering of scholars, religious leaders, and community figures in Medan highlighted their endorsement of President Prabowo Subianto’s government initiatives. They believed the policies carried good intentions and should be monitored closely to ensure effective implementation on the ground.

Among the speakers was Iwan Nasution, an academic from Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UIN Sumut). He pointed out that one of the most discussed programs was Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), a free nutritious meal scheme aimed at meeting the basic needs of the population.

“Pak Prabowo mengumpulkan pengusaha sawit yang menunggak pajak, dari pajak-pajak itu lah yang disalurkan untuk MBG,” Iwan said during the event titled “Temu Tokoh, Dialog dan Sikap Moral Menjaga Persatuan Bangsa” held in Medan.

He added, “Program ini baik. Bahwa kemudian bagaimana jalannya di lapangan, kita lah yang bersama mengawasi,” stressing that while the policy is sound, its execution must be supervised by the community.

Iwan also praised other initiatives such as the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih and the Sekolah Rakyat, describing them as beneficial because they directly target small-scale communities.

Echoing this sentiment, Ara Auza of Universitas Medan Area (UMA) described the government’s programs not only as good but also as noble, citing their humanitarian value. “Bukan hanya baik, tapi juga mulia. Karena memberi makan orang itu adalah tindakan yang mulia,” Ara remarked.

He addressed student concerns, noting that expressing aspirations is part of democratic practice. “Yang disampaikan teman-teman mahasiswa adalah aksi, dan pemerintah sekarang melakukan reaksi dengan perbaikan tata kelola,” he said.

From the Al-Washliyah school, Alim Nur Nasution also voiced support for MBG, labeling it a presidential priority. He argued that criticism should serve as a reminder to improve program delivery. “Orang baik itu kata Al-Quran harus memberi. Hari ini pemerintah membiayai, memberikan makan rakyat kita malah ngeyel. Jadi program ini tidak salah, tapi memang ada orang yang mengerjakannya salah,” Alim said.

Alim emphasized that the school’s students benefit from the scheme, noting that at least 50 ribu siswa Al-Washliyah in Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang receive MBG meals. “Jadi ini program yang baik. Kalau ada orang yang salah, menyelewengkannya, tangkap,” he added.

He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing schools with lower-middle-income students. “Kalau sekolah terpadu yang diberikan kan menyalah,” Alim warned.

Representatives from the BKPRMI Sumut included Syafrizal Harahap, who praised the establishment of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, noting that the 2026 pilgrimage saw improved logistics and fewer fatalities. “Bisa ditanya dengan yang berangkat. Sekarang banyak perubahan, fasilitas. Dan tidak lagi banyak yang meninggal dunia,” he said.

Syafrizal reaffirmed that MBG remains a good program, reminding that giving to others is a virtuous act in Islam.

Young advocate Surya Kurniawan acknowledged the many benefits of Prabowo’s era, while recognizing that student protests are normal. He urged that demonstrations be conducted respectfully and focus on ideas. “Bahasa yang kita sampaikan di ruang publik menjadi perhatian masyarakat. Kita tidak ingin ada degradasi nilai, degradasi moral yang dipertontonkan secara terang-terangan dan menjadi konsumsi publik,” Surya warned.

He also praised Prabowo’s respectful leadership, noting that the president has never criticized previous leaders. “Selama menjabat, sebut Surya, Prabowo tidak pernah menjelekkan pemimpin sebelumnya,” he remarked.

Overall, the gathering underscored a shared belief that the government’s social programs, especially Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), are designed with good intentions and merit collective oversight to maximize their impact on the community.