Government and Parliament Must Consolidate Education Concept, Says Observer

Political communications analyst Hendri Satrio (Hensa) believes the government and parliament should consolidate their approach regarding the concept of education. According to him, consolidation is necessary because of differing understandings about what is meant by education.

Additionally, Hensa argues that this consolidation is needed to prevent prolonged controversy over the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which has been linked to cuts in education spending.

“The debate about MBG within the education budget stems from differing concepts of education. This concept needs to be clarified first – whether education is merely a teaching and learning process or whether it encompasses other elements, such as MBG or teacher salaries,” said Hensa in a statement on Tuesday (3 March 2026).

Hensa observed that the budget allocated to the MBG programme does factually reduce overall education funding allocations as reflected in the 2026 state budget.

“The question is whether MBG falls within the education budget. In reality, it does,” said Hensa.

“But does it then represent a reduction? That depends on perspective – whether MBG is considered part of education. However, whether it represents a cut, I agree with what Cabinet Secretary Teddy and Budget Commission Chair Said Abdullah said – it is already in the state budget and was approved by parliament,” he added.

For this reason, Hensa emphasised that the concept of education needs to be clarified to prevent misunderstandings in the future. He gave examples of different education concepts, such as the difference between residential schools where students and teachers interact 24 hours a day, and regular schools where they only meet during lesson hours.

“In my view, this debate or controversy occurs because of differing concepts of education, and that must be clarified. If not, we will keep having these same issues going forward,” Hensa concluded.