Weekly Humanities Roundup: MBG Budgeting to National Dhikr and Prayer
Jakarta (ANTARA) - There have been several interesting humanities news stories occurring this week, which we have summarised to begin this Sunday.
The news begins with statements from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) regarding the utilisation of the Free Nutritable Meal (MBG) programme budget, followed by the National Dhikr and Prayer event held on Saturday night.
- Head of BGN: MBG budget will not halt other government programmes
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, emphasised that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme does not mean exhausting the entire state budget or halting other government programmes. “I am frustrated seeing social media comments suggesting that MBG is consuming the entire state budget, implying that other sectors are being neglected. In reality, other programmes continue to be implemented,” said Sudaryono.
- Commission X deems separation of MBG budget from education fund appropriate
The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Lalu Hadrian, assessed that separating the MBG programme budget from the education budget, as per the Constitutional Court (MK) ruling, is a correct step. Lalu stated that the financing of MBG, which aims to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources (SDM), needs to be regulated proportionally so as not to reduce the education budget. “MBG is a good programme with a noble goal to improve human resource quality. However, its financing must be placed proportionally so it does not reduce the allocation intended for educational operational needs,” he said.
- Strengthening collaboration: Indonesia committed to Malaria-Free 2030
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) continues to strengthen its commitment towards a Malaria-Free Indonesia by 2030 through cross-sector collaboration and the reinforcement of prevention efforts in regions, noting that regional leadership is key to achieving this target. The Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, stated in Jakarta on Wednesday that malaria remains a public health challenge both globally and nationally. “Therefore, the government continues to strengthen the implementation of the Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2025–2045 through various interventions, ranging from the Find, Treat, Control (TOKEN) Programme, Mass Drug Administration (MDA), Targeted Drug Administration (TDA), to Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTf) for high-risk groups,” said Deputy Minister Dante.
- Speaker of the MPR hopes dhikr and prayer strengthen national unity
The Speaker of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, expressed hope that the National Dhikr and Prayer offered by the people and all elements of the nation will strengthen the unity and integrity of Indonesia. “We have just offered dhikr and prayers; may all our dhikr, prayers, and salawat be accepted by Allah SWT. Through these prayers, may Indonesia remain intact and may we remain united by Allah SWT,” said Ahmad Muzani.
- Minister of Religious Affairs emphasises harmony as the foundation for national development
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, emphasised that religious harmony in Indonesia is the fundamental capital for national development and a primary strength for Indonesia in facing global dynamics. “Today we gather in one assembly to offer the best prayers for the nation. We may hold different beliefs, but we are united by the same love for Indonesia,” said Nasaruddin Umar during his speech at the National Dhikr and Prayer held at the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta.