President Prabowo Responds To MBG's Discourse To Use Zakat Funds, Reminds Not To Let Budget Leaks

President Prabowo Subianto responded to the discourse on financing the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG), one of which uses sources from zakat funds.

"I think there are administrators who take care of zakat, but what is clear from our government is that we are ready for all Indonesian children to be fed in 2025," said the President when answering reporters' questions reported by ANTARA, Thursday, January 16.

Prabowoo said that in principle, all parties are open to participating in the success of the government's priority program. According to him, all parties may participate in financing the free nutritious food program as long as the funds used are right on target and efficient.

"Then, from the local government (local government, ed) also want to participate, as well as governors, regents want to come, go to open anyone who wants to participate, the important thing is that it is efficient, right on target, and there is no leakage," continued the President.

The discourse of a free nutritious eating program is financed, one of which is by zakat funds, which was first initiated by the Chairman of DPD Sultan B. Najamudin in Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/1).

Sultan proposed to the government to open up opportunities for the MBG Program to be financed by zakat, infaq and alms funds (ZIS).

"For example, how do we stimulate the general public to be involved in this Free Nutrition Food program, among others, yesterday I also thought why not our extraordinary zakat, we also want to involve there (MBG Program)," said the chairman of the DPD.

However, the Sultan's proposal was responded to by various parties. Some considered that the discourse needed to be studied and discussed with the ulama.

Apart from the polemic, the Presidential Chief of Staff, AM Putranto, assessed that the proposed use of community zakat funds to support the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) was not in accordance with the purpose of zakat.

"Until now I haven't heard the proposal. All of that decision is with the President. So, be patient," said AM Putranto when asked for his response regarding the discourse on MBG using zakat funds, when he was met at the Presidential Staff office, Jakarta, Wednesday (15/1).

He explained that President Prabowo Subianto had allocated a special budget for the program of IDR 71 trillion aimed at students, pregnant women, and pesantren.

"Because the President has good intentions and is sincere in giving the best for the Indonesian nation, to students, pregnant women, Islamic boarding schools, a budget of IDR 71 trillion has been budgeted," said the Presidential Chief of Staff.

Putranto emphasized that there is a large budget allocation from the government, zakat funds should not be allocated for the MBG program.