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BEM UI Says Qodari's Argument Against Stopping MBG Is Illogical
BEM UI has criticised M Qodari's claim that the Makan Bergizi Gratis program cannot be stopped, saying the reasoning is illogical and inconsistent with democratic principles. Qodari defended MBG as part of President Prabowo Subianto's political commitment and a program meant to benefit large numbers of people.
Quick Facts
Who
BEM UI
What
BEM UI criticised Qodari's statement that MBG cannot be stopped
When
17 June 2026
Where
CNN Indonesia TV
- BEM UI criticised Qodari's statement that MBG cannot be stopped
- Hafidz Haernanda said Qodari's reasoning was not logical
- Qodari defended MBG as a political commitment and contract
- BEM UI
- Hafidz Haernanda
The University of Indonesia student executive body, BEM UI, has criticised Chief of Government Communications M Qodari over his assertion that the Makan Bergizi Gratis, or MBG, program cannot be stopped. BEM UI said the argument was not logical and said public policy should still be open to review even when it has already been implemented.
Hafidz Haernanda, BEM UI's coordinator for social and political affairs, said Qodari's reasoning rested on two points: that MBG was a political promise and that many people were already benefiting from it. Speaking on CNN Indonesia TV, he argued that Indonesia's democratic system means political commitments cannot override the wider will of the public.
Hafidz also rejected the idea that a policy becomes untouchable once it is being enjoyed by beneficiaries, calling that logic "clearly wrong". He warned that MBG and other flagship programs should not come at the expense of other citizens' basic rights.
Qodari had previously said there was no room to negotiate the cancellation of MBG because it formed part of President Prabowo Subianto's campaign platform and political contract. He said the program was intended to serve millions of people who needed it and should therefore be fulfilled as promised.
Topics
Why This Matters
This dispute between a major student body and a government official underscores growing public scrutiny of President Prabowo's flagship programs. For readers, it signals that Indonesia's civil society is actively challenging policy narratives and demanding accountability—a factor investors, analysts, and diplomats must watch as it reflects the health of democratic discourse and policy stability.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireM Qodari said MBG could not be stopped because it was part of Prabowo Subianto's political commitment.
Jun 17, 2026
WireHafidz Haernanda criticised Qodari's reasoning during a CNN Indonesia TV appearance.
Jun 18, 2026
WireCNN Indonesia published a report on BEM UI's criticism of Qodari's comments.