Government Backs Islamic Boarding Schools Through Free Nutritious Meals and Education Loans

GOLKAR Party chairman Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised the crucial role of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in shaping Indonesian nationalism and fostering national leadership. He stressed that pesantren institutions do far more than teach religion, science and technology—they instil strong national values in their students.

“It would be most inappropriate to separate pesantren from the state, because within these institutions we teach our children about religion, knowledge and technology, but also nationalism. This is what pesantren does,” Bahlil said during a Ramadan visit to Azzainiyyah Islamic Boarding School in Sukabumi, West Java, on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

Bahlil, who also serves as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, highlighted that pesantren play a vital role in Indonesia’s national journey. These institutions have produced Islamic scholars, community leaders and figures who safeguard the nation’s moral values. He noted that pesantren institutions existed long before Indonesian independence and actively shaped the character of future national leaders even during the colonial period.

During his visit, Bahlil conveyed the government’s commitment to supporting the pesantren sector. He outlined several programmes through which the administration demonstrates this dedication.

The government support includes the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and education scholarships from the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP), which are now being extended to pesantren students.

“This is part of the government’s efforts under President Prabowo’s leadership, not only for general schools but also directed so that pesantren students can benefit from these programmes,” Bahlil added.

Bahlil expressed full confidence that pesantren students possess qualities that match, and potentially exceed, those of general school students. However, he noted that the LPDP has historically paid little serious attention to pesantren scholars and has not offered them special consideration.

“I believe we must do this and continue to advocate for it so that good decisions can be made, because they are also children of this nation,” he emphasised.