MBG Programme Called Haram, Gus Yasin: Needs Discussion by MUI, NU, and Muhammadiyah

Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen has acknowledged a statement by KH Ahmad Mudhoffar, head of the Al Husna Internasional Mayong Islamic Boarding School in Jepara Regency, who declared the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme haram because of alleged corrupt practices in its implementation. He believes this view can serve as material for discussion, including by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and other Islamic mass organisations. Gus Yasin declined to comment on the application of Islamic law regarding the MBG programme, which has sparked allegations of corruption. “Regarding the legal status now becoming an issue like this, that is not our domain in government. This is a domain for later, whether it is MUI, Muhammadiyah, or NU, to discuss it,” he said during an interview in Semarang on Monday. “This is what I appreciate from Kiai Mudhoffar, raising the issue of MBG being haram for discussion,” Gus Yasin added. However, Gus Yasin agreed with the point made by Kiai Mudhoffar regarding corrupt practices in the implementation of MBG. “In the Quran, it is indeed stated that helping corruption, doing things prohibited by sharia, is forbidden,” he said. Nevertheless, he stated that the view declaring MBG haram needs further study. Gus Yasin stressed that MBG is a programme designed to improve public nutrition, particularly for school students and pregnant women. “In a religious context, this is not prohibited,” he said.