UMY Rector: Managing the University is Already Demanding, Why Manage Free Nutritious Meal Programs?

The Rector of the Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY), Achmad Nurmandi, has firmly rejected a directive from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) requesting that the university establish at least one Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) or Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPU). Nurmandi stated that the university prefers to focus on its core educational functions, arguing that managing such programs would add unnecessary workload.

“I reject it, I don’t want to,” Nurmandi said when met at the Ballroom of the UMY Student Dormitory, Saturday (16/5/2026).

“Why should we manage MBGs, it’s not our business, it just adds to our workload,” he continued.

Nurmandi explained that his rejection is not because he opposes the MBG program. According to him, the university is already busy with its own functions rather than managing MBGs.

“We are not blaming MBG, we have no intention of disrupting MBG. It’s just that it’s too much, managing the university is already demanding, why manage MBG. Even though we have the facilities. We consider that it is not our field, it is not the university’s business,” he explained.

Previously, as reported by detikNews, the Head of the BGN, Dadan Hindayana, said that universities could consider having at least one Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPU). This was said to help improve national nutrition.

“I think universities need to understand this, because this is a big opportunity. At least have one SPPU first, and if possible, the supply should come from the academic community itself,” said Dadan, quoted from Antara, Thursday (30/4).

Commission X of the DPR RI plans to invite the Ministry of Education and Culture to seek clarification regarding the involvement of universities in managing MBG programs. Commission X of the DPR questioned why universities are allowed to manage SPPUs.

“The Ministry of Education must explain why universities are allowed to manage them. Is it because it is for research, to help the surrounding community, or what, this has not been explained,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the DPR, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, at the parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (11/5).

“We are asking that, hopefully on the 19th (May) we will also invite the Ministry of Education to explain this in a working meeting with Commission X,” he continued.