The involvement of universities in the government’s free nutritious meal program (MBG) is being criticized as a strategic move to “silence critical voices” against a project already marred by controversy and allegations of mismanagement.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has publicly urged campuses to take an active role rather than acting as mere spectators in government initiatives, specifically regarding the establishment of Nutritional Service Fulfillment Units (SPPG). Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) in Makassar is among the first public universities to inaugurate its own MBG kitchen.
La Halisu, Deputy of the Metavisi Akademik Nusantara Foundation, explained that their participation followed a formal request from the government. During the verification process, the foundation—operating under Unhas—was deemed capable due to its available land, resources, and financial standing, leading to a formal contract with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
This development follows a trend where universities have previously been “tempted” by mining concessions. Consequently, many are now questioning whether campus involvement in the MBG project is essentially a form of “project distribution” rather than a genuine academic or social contribution.
Inside the Unhas MBG Kitchen
The inauguration of the Unhas kitchen took place on Tuesday, April 28, attended by BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, Minister Brian Yuliarto, South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, and various academic leaders. Dadan Hindayana noted that Unhas is the first State University with Legal Entity (PTN-BH) status to host an SPPG in Eastern Indonesia. He expressed hope that Unhas would not only manage the kitchen but also develop an independent supply chain to ensure the program’s quality.
The 20×15 meter kitchen, located in the Tamalanrea district behind a campus mosque, houses modern equipment, including refrigeration, cooking tools, and water filtration systems. Established in just seven months since October 2025, the facility serves 2,500 beneficiaries daily across nine schools, ranging from kindergartens to high schools. Operations are managed by 20 local residents, with raw ingredients partially sourced from the university’s own Agriculture and Animal Husbandry faculties.
Universities: Partners or Pawn?
Minister Brian Yuliarto believes the Unhas facility should serve as a blueprint for other universities, promoting them as independent institutions capable of influencing policy. He envisions these kitchens as “teaching factories” that facilitate student research and practical training. Eduart Wolok, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Indonesian State Universities (MRPTNI), echoed this sentiment, claiming that campus involvement allows for better cost efficiency and data-driven analysis of the program’s impact.
However, Budi Djatmiko, Chairman of the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions (APTISI), noted that some private universities have been managing MBG kitchens for two years using investor funding rather than government grants. While both Eduart and Budi insist that academic institutions remain independent and critical of government policies, observers are skeptical.
Silencing the Critics
Totok Amin Soefijanto, an education analyst from Paramadina University, warns that campus involvement is a deliberate attempt to neutralize dissent. “If a university becomes a paid consultant or project partner, it loses its edge to criticize,” he argued. He suggests that the government is using the massive Rp335 trillion budget as a tool for popularity, effectively buying the silence of institutions that should be providing objective oversight.
The concerns are mounting as the project faces severe scrutiny. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) reported that between early 2025 and April 2026, at least 33,626 students suffered from food poisoning suspected to be linked to the MBG program. Furthermore, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has flagged allegations of budget markups, monopolistic supply chain practices, and the involvement of figures connected to government officials.
ICW: A Misplaced Priority
Seira Tamara, a researcher at ICW, asserts that educational institutions have no business managing food services. “Their focus should be on improving the welfare of teachers and the quality of education, not becoming commercial kitchen operators,” she stated. She criticized the BGN’s decision to continue paying a daily incentive of Rp6 million to kitchens that have been temporarily shut down due to hygiene and sanitation failures.
Tamara labeled this payment policy as “baseless” and potentially illegal, noting that it could result in the waste of billions of rupiah in state funds daily. Given these findings, she suggests that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) should initiate an investigation into the mismanagement of the MBG budget. As the controversy deepens, the line between academic service and political cooperation remains increasingly blurred, leaving the integrity of Indonesia’s higher education system under a microscope.
Summary
The government’s free nutritious meal program (MBG) is attracting universities, with Minister Brian Yuliarto urging their active participation. Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) has become the first public university to open an MBG kitchen, serving as a model for other institutions. While proponents see this as an opportunity for “teaching factories” and cost efficiency, critics view it as a move to “silence critical voices” and question its genuine academic contribution.
However, significant concerns persist regarding the program’s integrity and potential cronyism. Education analysts warn that universities, once involved, may lose their ability to objectively criticize government policies. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has flagged allegations of budget markups, monopolistic practices, and the controversial payment of incentives to temporarily closed kitchens, urging an investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).