[HEADLINE NEWS, 15/01] DPD RI Usulkan Program Makan Bergizi Gratis Dibiayai dari Uang Zakat

Summary

In a recent headline news segment, Valentinus Resa, Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD), proposed using zakat funds to help finance the government's free nutritious meal program (MBG). The aim is to alleviate budget shortages and gain support from other countries, including Japan. DPD Chair Sultan Bakhtiar Najamudin emphasized the importance of public involvement, suggesting that the strong charitable culture of Indonesia could contribute to this initiative. However, government officials rejected the proposal, reaffirming the president's commitment to funding the program with a dedicated 71 trillion IDR budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Chairman of DPD RI, Valentinus Resa, proposed that zakat (charitable donations) could be used as a stimulus to finance the free nutritious food program (MBG).
• 😀 The aim of this proposal is to address the funding shortage for the MBG program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
• 😀 Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, the Chairman of DPD RI, emphasized that the government alone cannot execute the MBG program without support from other countries.
• 😀 Sultan praised Japan's support for the MBG program, recognizing the importance of international collaboration in tackling hunger and malnutrition.
• 😀 The Indonesian Parliament needs to find a solution to ensure the success of the MBG program, balancing funding and resources.
• 😀 The Indonesian government has a limited budget, so not all funds can be allocated solely to the MBG program.
• 😀 Sultan highlighted the Indonesian cultural value of mutual cooperation (gotong-royong) and charitable giving (dermawan), which could be leveraged to support the MBG program.
• 😀 The proposal includes involving the general public and using zakat as part of the funding for the MBG program.
• 😀 The President has already allocated a budget of 71 trillion IDR to support various social programs, including assistance for students in Islamic boarding schools and pregnant women.
• 😀 A representative from the Presidential Office rejected the idea of using zakat for the MBG program, stating it is not the intended purpose of zakat and that the President has already made substantial efforts for the nation's welfare.

Q & A

What proposal did the Chairman of DPD RI, Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, make regarding the MBG program?

Sultan Baktiar Najamudin proposed that zakat from the community be used as a stimulus to fund the MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis) or free nutritious meals program. This aims to address the shortage of funding for the program, which is part of President Prabowo Subianto's initiative.

Why does Sultan Baktiar Najamudin believe external support is necessary for the MBG program?

Sultan Baktiar Najamudin believes that the MBG program cannot be executed solely by the government due to limited funds, and support from other countries, such as Japan, is also essential for its success.

How does Sultan Baktiar Najamudin view Indonesia's social culture in relation to the MBG program?

Sultan Baktiar Najamudin highlights Indonesia's culture of charity and mutual cooperation (gotong-royong) and suggests leveraging this social DNA to involve the general public in the MBG program, particularly by utilizing zakat.

What is the government's stance on the use of zakat to fund the MBG program?

The government rejects the idea of using zakat to fund the MBG program. The presidential spokesperson emphasized that the government has already allocated a substantial budget of 71 trillion IDR for related welfare initiatives and that zakat is not intended for this purpose.

What is the government's current financial commitment to supporting welfare programs?

The government has committed to a budget of 71 trillion IDR to support various welfare programs, including initiatives for students in Islamic boarding schools and pregnant women, with a focus on ensuring these funds are effectively used.

How does Sultan Baktiar Najamudin propose to overcome the funding shortfall for the MBG program?

Sultan proposes engaging the general public in contributing to the MBG program through zakat, tapping into Indonesia’s philanthropic spirit, which could provide additional funding without solely relying on the government.

What was the reaction to the idea of using zakat for the MBG program?

The idea of using zakat for the MBG program was met with strong opposition from government officials. It was described as inappropriate and misleading, as the government already has a dedicated budget for similar welfare efforts.

What role does Sultan Baktiar Najamudin believe the parliament should play in the MBG program?

Sultan Baktiar Najamudin emphasized that the parliament should seek a formula to help facilitate the implementation of the MBG program, ensuring it runs smoothly despite budgetary constraints.

Why is the government not open to using zakat for MBG?

The government’s position is that zakat should not be redirected for the MBG program, as President Prabowo Subianto has already allocated 71 trillion IDR for related initiatives, ensuring that the budget is used appropriately for the welfare of the Indonesian people.

What international support is being discussed for the MBG program?

Sultan Baktiar Najamudin praised Japan’s willingness to assist with the MBG program, demonstrating international cooperation to address Indonesia's welfare challenges.