Constitutional Court Hearing: Relevant Parties Deem MBG Programme Legitimate in 2026 State Budget

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) is deemed legitimate and does not contradict the 1945 Constitution. This was stated by relevant parties during a material examination hearing at the Constitutional Court (MK) on Tuesday (28/4/2026). According to them, education is not merely about classroom learning but also encompasses fulfilling the nutritional needs of students. “MBG is a supporting factor in achieving national education objectives, namely to produce a healthy, knowledgeable, and competitive generation,” said Joko during the hearing. They assessed that adequate nutrition directly influences students’ learning abilities, from concentration to school participation. Therefore, the MBG programme is considered relevant for improving education quality. Relevant parties also rejected the applicant’s argument that education budgets may only be used for teaching functions. Allegations that MBG causes distortion in the education budget were also refuted. The programme is instead seen as aiding the effectiveness of education spending and reducing family burdens. Joko explained that MBG has been planned since 2024 and is included in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). The programme has also been discussed with the House of Representatives (DPR) and approved in the 2026 APBN. “Thus, there is no violation of constitutional principles,” he stated. He added that the President has the authority to implement priority programmes that have been approved in legislation.