Attending Unand Student Council Discussion, Andre Rosiade Responds to Criticism of Prabowo and Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Andre Rosiade, directly attended a public discussion organised by the Student Executive Board of Universitas Andalas (Unand). Andre arrived amid the dynamics of criticism emerging against several central government policies.

The discussion was held under the theme ‘Dissecting the Narrative of Central Government Success Amid Regional Crises’ on Thursday (9/4/2026). Andre stated that his visit to the Unand campus was not merely to attend the discussion forum but also to directly hear the aspirations of students.

“I was once Student President myself. I know what it’s like to struggle on the streets. But criticise with data and facts, not just with baseless narratives. Diplomacy and data are far stronger than mere shouts,” said Andre, who is also the General Chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM).

Andre also reviewed several ongoing development programmes at Unand. One of them is the construction of a multi-purpose building supported by Pertamina’s CSR funds of nearly Rp9 billion, targeted for completion on 21 June 2026.

Andre also conveyed plans for building a jogging track in the field area near the rector’s office and accelerating the resolution of inactive Student Smart Indonesia Cards (KIP) for students entering higher education.

“I already called the Education Minister in front of the Rector. Insyaallah, on the 26th or 27th, we’ll bring Unand representatives to meet directly to find a solution,” he said.

In addition, Andre responded to student criticism regarding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Andre emphasised that the programme is an important intervention to reduce stunting rates in West Sumatra.

He stated that the MBG programme has a significant economic impact on society because most of its budget circulates at the local level.

“The circulation of money from MBG in West Sumatra reaches around Rp10 to Rp12 trillion. About 86 percent is enjoyed by communities around schools and MSME actors,” said the Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Faction in the House of Representatives.

Andre also explained government efforts to strengthen infrastructure in West Sumatra, including plans for the Sicincin-Bukittinggi toll road construction targeted to start in October 2026. He also revealed efforts to reactivate the railway line that has not been optimal due to limitations of the old rail standards.

Meanwhile, Andre mentioned advocacy assistance for small communities needing justice and the acceleration of building 40 temporary housing units for disaster-affected residents in Batang Anai, Padang Pariaman.

“We must not see this as a political matter. This is about humanity that must be a priority,” he said.

Andre invited Unand students to become critical partners of the government in overseeing development and not to be easily influenced by incomplete information. He said the government is open to criticism based on data and facts.

“The campus is a place for intellectuals. Criticise with data and facts. We are not anti-criticism,” he said.

Andre asked students to remain critical but civilised. According to him, calling the ‘President Grandpa’ is unethical.

“Hopefully in the future, they will be more ethical in their activities. Because currently, freedom of opinion is highly valued by the state. President Prabowo is very open to all criticism. Prabowo sides with the people, not oligarchs,” he said.

Unand Student President Shabbarin Syakur emphasised that student criticism of government policies is part of the social control function and is compiled based on field studies conducted by the BEM team.

“The voice we bring in the Unand BEM is not a voice made up on a desk. We have a study team that goes directly to hear complaints from below,” said Syakur.

He stated that students do not reject the MBG programme but assess that its implementation still needs evaluation to suit regional and community needs.

“We agree that stunting must be reduced. However, its implementation still seems rushed and top-down. This is what we say needs total evaluation,” he said.

Syakur also requested transparency in the MBG supply chain to truly benefit farmers and local business actors in West Sumatra and emphasised the importance of using local products in the programme. He also affirmed that students will monitor Andre’s commitment regarding the resolution of inactive KIP issues for students.

“We will monitor the promise of the meeting with the Education Minister on the 26th or 27th,” he said.

In addition, Syakur reminded that infrastructure development should not ignore local community rights and emphasised the importance of long-term disaster mitigation in West Sumatra.

Discussion panellist, Unand FISIP lecturer dr Indah Adi Putri, assessed that the MBG programme is a long-term investment in improving human resource quality and reducing stunting rates in West Sumatra.

However, she emphasised the importance of supervising food hygiene standards and transparency in the distribution of social assistance, including resolving administrative issues with KIP for students so as not to hinder access to education.

She also reminded of the importance of synergy between central policies and local needs as well as collaboration between higher education and the business world so that university graduates can meet industry needs.

In line with that, Unand FISIP lecturer dr Malse Yulivestra highlighted the importance of the sustainability of government programmes and ensuring that the MBG supply chain involves local farmers and livestock breeders so that the economic impact is truly felt by the community.

She also emphasised the importance of data accuracy in development policy formulation and community social readiness in post-disaster handling programmes, including the construction of temporary housing in Batang Anai.

Meanwhile, Unand Faculty of Cultural Sciences lecturer dr Hary Efendi Iskandar appreciated the presence of Andre Rosiade who fulfilled the students’ invitation amid the developing dynamics of criticism. According to him, Andre’s presence shows that the spirit of activism is still strong and the importance of dialogue space between students and policymakers remaining intact.

“Invited by the juniors because of his activist spirit to come here. Actually, he could have