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Daftar Calhaj 2027 Diumumkan, Dahnil Minta ASN Bangun Engagement dengan Jamaah

by Reynand Wu July 20, 2026

written by Reynand Wu

JAKARTA – Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has issued a directive calling on all civil servants (ASN) within the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to cultivate robust engagement and intensive communication with prospective Hajj pilgrims from the earliest stages of their journey. The mandate comes as Kemenhaj recently unveiled the comprehensive waiting list for prospective pilgrims slated to depart for the Hajj season of 1448 Hijri, corresponding to 2027 M. This proactive approach underscores a fundamental shift in the ministry’s philosophy, moving beyond mere logistical facilitation to foster a profound spiritual and emotional connection with the nation’s pilgrims.

Simanjuntak articulated this vision during a statement released in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2026, following an interview with Republika at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah office on July 8, 2026. "The first thing that must be prepared is for all of you, Bapak and Ibu, to have strong engagement with the pilgrims. That is what we want to build. Starting from the ASN, the Regional Office Heads (Kakanwil), later the Hajj officers, everyone involved in managing Hajj must have strong engagement with the pilgrims," he emphasized. This focus on engagement is deemed critical, particularly given the extensive waiting periods many Indonesian pilgrims endure, often spanning decades.

The Philosophy of ‘Ta’limul Qulub’: A Deepened Connection

The Deputy Minister further elaborated on this concept, referencing a profound religious principle: ta’limul qulub, which translates to "the bonding of hearts" or "the teaching of hearts." In simpler terms, he described it as a deep silaturahim (bond of kinship and friendship) that gives rise to a profound heart-to-heart connection between officers and Hajj pilgrims. This spiritual dimension is central to the ministry’s reformed approach, aiming to transform the administrative process into a journey of shared spiritual preparation and understanding.

This emphasis on ta’limul qulub signals a departure from a purely transactional relationship, positioning Hajj officers not merely as administrators but as spiritual companions and guides. The intention is to imbue every interaction with empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose, recognizing the immense spiritual significance of the Hajj pilgrimage for each individual. For many Indonesian Muslims, Hajj represents a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual aspiration, often realized after years of saving and waiting. The emotional and psychological support provided by deeply engaged officers can significantly enhance the pilgrim’s preparedness and overall experience.

Beyond Logistics: Kemenhaj’s Elevated Mandate

Simanjuntak firmly asserted that Kemenhaj is not merely a travel agency or a Special Hajj Organiser (PIHK) that simply gathers individuals and dispatches them for pilgrimage. Instead, he highlighted its elevated status as a state institution, established under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, entrusted with a monumental mandate. This mandate extends beyond mere operational execution to encompass the fostering, safeguarding, and ensuring the transformation of noble values throughout the entire Hajj process.

The distinction is crucial. A travel agency’s primary function is to facilitate travel logistics. Kemenhaj, by contrast, is tasked with upholding national interests, ensuring the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage, and fostering positive societal values. This broader scope necessitates a holistic approach that integrates administrative efficiency with spiritual guidance and moral development. The ministry’s role, therefore, becomes one of a comprehensive custodian of the Hajj experience, from the initial registration to the pilgrim’s return home.

The ‘Tri Sukses’ Program: A Holistic Vision for Hajj

Central to this transformative vision is the "Tri Sukses" (Three Successes) program, an overarching framework designed to guide the entire Hajj management process. This program, as outlined by Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, aims for success in three critical dimensions: Sukses Ritual (Ritual Success), Sukses Ekonomi (Economic Success), and Sukses Peradaban dan Keadaban (Civilizational and Ethical Success). This multi-faceted approach reflects a comprehensive understanding of the Hajj’s profound impact on individuals and society.

Sukses Ritual (Ritual Success): This dimension focuses on ensuring that every pilgrim can perform the Hajj rituals correctly, completely, and with full understanding of their spiritual significance. It encompasses providing adequate religious guidance, educational materials, and support systems to help pilgrims navigate the complex rites of Hajj. This includes pre-departure training, on-site guidance from religious scholars, and access to resources that clarify Islamic jurisprudence related to the pilgrimage. The goal is not just mechanical completion of rituals but a deep, meaningful spiritual experience that adheres to Islamic tenets.
Sukses Ekonomi (Economic Success): This aspect aims to leverage the vast Hajj ecosystem for national economic benefit, particularly for the pilgrims themselves and the broader community. This could involve promoting halal tourism, supporting local industries that provide Hajj-related products and services, and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Hajj supply chain. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure transparency and efficiency in the financial management of Hajj funds, ensuring that pilgrims’ contributions are managed prudently and invested ethically to provide the best possible services. This also extends to empowering pilgrims to become economic agents upon their return, sharing knowledge and resources gained during their journey.
Sukses Peradaban dan Keadaban (Civilizational and Ethical Success): This is perhaps the most ambitious dimension, focusing on the transformative power of Hajj to cultivate noble values, build character, and contribute to a more civilized and ethical society. The pilgrimage, by bringing together millions from diverse backgrounds, inherently fosters unity, patience, humility, and solidarity. Kemenhaj aims to consciously nurture these values, promoting a sense of national identity, moral rectitude, and global citizenship among pilgrims. Upon their return, these pilgrims are expected to embody these values, becoming agents of positive change, contributing to community development, interfaith harmony, and national cohesion. This dimension also emphasizes the importance of respecting diverse cultures and promoting peaceful coexistence, aligning with Indonesia’s pluralistic identity.

The Indonesian Hajj Phenomenon: A Context of Scale and Aspiration

Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim population, consistently sends the largest contingent of pilgrims to Hajj annually. In recent years, Indonesia’s Hajj quota has typically ranged between 221,000 and 241,000 pilgrims. However, the number of registered prospective pilgrims far exceeds this quota, leading to notoriously long waiting lists. As of 2026, the average waiting time for an Indonesian pilgrim can range from 20 to over 47 years, depending on the province of registration. This extraordinary duration underscores the immense spiritual aspiration of Indonesian Muslims and simultaneously highlights the logistical and administrative challenges faced by Kemenhaj.

The announcement of the 1448 H/2027 M waiting list marks another milestone in this ongoing process. Pilgrims who registered decades ago are now seeing their turn approach, necessitating intensified preparation and communication from Kemenhaj. This long waiting period makes the "heart-to-heart connection" even more vital. Pilgrims often register in their youth, or even have their children registered, dreaming of this sacred journey for their entire lives. The ministry’s engagement, therefore, needs to span across generations, providing consistent support and information.

Chronology and Preparations for 2027

The directive from Deputy Minister Simanjuntak comes at a critical juncture in the planning cycle for the 2027 Hajj season. While the Hajj journey itself occurs in mid-2027, the preparatory phases begin years in advance.

Mid-2026: Kemenhaj finalizes and announces the waiting list for the 1448 H/2027 M season. This is a crucial step, allowing prospective pilgrims and their families to begin definitive preparations.
July 8, 2026: Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak conducts an interview with Republika, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming policy announcement.
July 20, 2026: Simanjuntak issues the formal statement to Kemenhaj staff, emphasizing the importance of strong engagement and ta’limul qulub.
Late 2026 – Early 2027: Intensive training programs for Hajj officers (petugas haji) and regional office staff (Kakanwil) are expected to commence, focusing not only on logistical competencies but also on interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the principles of ta’limul qulub.
Early 2027: Pilgrims on the 2027 list will begin receiving detailed information regarding payments, health checks, visa processing, and mandatory pre-departure orientation programs. These programs are vital for educating pilgrims on rituals, health precautions, and the logistical aspects of their journey.
Mid-2027: The actual departure of pilgrims for the 1448 H/2027 M Hajj season.

This extensive timeline underscores the need for continuous, empathetic engagement throughout the entire process, not just in the immediate lead-up to departure.

Statements and Inferred Reactions from Related Parties

The directive from Deputy Minister Simanjuntak is expected to resonate across various levels of Kemenhaj and related stakeholders:

Regional Office Heads (Kakanwil): The Kakanwil, responsible for Hajj affairs in their respective provinces, will be tasked with implementing this directive at the grassroots level. This implies a need for enhanced training for their staff, a review of existing communication protocols with pilgrims, and potentially the development of new programs to foster deeper engagement. They will likely focus on community outreach, regular informational sessions, and personalized support for pilgrims.
Hajj Officers (Petugas Haji): These frontline officers, who accompany pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, are crucial to the success of ta’limul qulub. Their role will evolve from purely administrative and logistical support to include significant pastoral and emotional care. This will require not only linguistic and cultural competence but also strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of the spiritual journey. Training modules for these officers will likely be revised to include components on psychological support, conflict resolution, and fostering spiritual well-being.
Pilgrim Associations and Religious Councils: Organizations such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and various Hajj and Umrah associations are likely to welcome this human-centric approach. They have long advocated for holistic pilgrim welfare that extends beyond mere physical arrangements. Their input could be sought in developing training materials and ensuring the spiritual guidance provided is aligned with mainstream Islamic teachings and Indonesian cultural contexts.
Pilgrims Themselves: The ultimate beneficiaries, pilgrims, are expected to experience a more supportive and reassuring journey. Knowing that the government’s institutions are deeply invested in their spiritual and emotional well-being can alleviate anxieties and enhance their focus on the sanctity of the pilgrimage. This proactive engagement can also build greater trust and confidence in Kemenhaj’s services.

Broader Impact and Implications

The Deputy Minister’s emphasis on ta’limul qulub and the "Tri Sukses" program carries several significant implications for the future of Hajj management in Indonesia:

Enhanced Pilgrim Satisfaction and Welfare: A human-centric approach is likely to significantly improve the overall experience for pilgrims, leading to higher satisfaction levels and a greater sense of fulfillment from their spiritual journey. This extends beyond the physical comforts to their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Cultural Shift in Bureaucracy: Implementing ta’limul qulub across a vast bureaucracy like Kemenhaj requires a substantial cultural shift. It challenges civil servants to move beyond routine administrative tasks and embrace a more empathetic, service-oriented mindset. This could serve as a model for other public service sectors.
Strengthening National Values: By integrating "Nilai Kebangsaan, nilai moral, nilai peradaban, nilai keadaban" (national values, moral values, civilizational values, ethical values) into the Hajj process, Kemenhaj aims to leverage the pilgrimage as a vehicle for national character building. Pilgrims returning with enhanced moral and ethical compasses can contribute positively to Indonesian society.
Economic Empowerment: The "Sukses Ekonomi" component could stimulate growth in the domestic halal industry, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship among communities linked to the Hajj ecosystem. This aligns with broader government initiatives to diversify the economy and empower local businesses.
International Recognition: Indonesia’s innovative approach to Hajj management, particularly its focus on holistic pilgrim welfare and value transformation, could set a new benchmark globally. This could enhance Indonesia’s standing as a leader in Islamic affairs and effective governance of religious pilgrimages.
Challenges of Implementation: The success of this vision will depend heavily on effective training, sufficient resources, and consistent leadership. Ensuring that all ASN and Hajj officers genuinely internalize and apply the principles of ta’limul qulub across diverse regions and operational complexities will be a significant undertaking. Sustained monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to measure the impact and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak’s directive marks a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s approach to Hajj management. By championing a profound "heart-to-heart connection" and embedding the comprehensive "Tri Sukses" program, Kemenhaj is not merely organizing a logistical feat but endeavoring to transform the Hajj into a deeply personal, spiritually enriching, and nationally empowering journey for every Indonesian pilgrim. This ambitious vision, backed by the President Prabowo Subianto administration, seeks to redefine the role of a state institution in safeguarding not just the mechanics but also the soul of one of the world’s most significant religious pilgrimages.

July 20, 2026 0 comment

Education and Careers

Mantan Agen CIA Ini Minta AS Akui Iran sebagai Kekuatan Regional Utama, Berikut 3 Alasannya

by Lina Irawan July 20, 2026

written by Lina Irawan

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is currently facing a transformative period of instability, prompting high-ranking former officials to question the long-standing foundations of American foreign policy in the region. Joe Kent, a former United States Special Forces Green Beret and a veteran CIA paramilitary officer with eleven combat deployments, has emerged as a prominent voice calling for a radical shift in Washington’s approach toward the Islamic Republic of Iran. Kent, who resigned from his position in March as a direct protest against the trajectory of U.S. policy, argues that the United States must acknowledge Iran’s status as a primary regional power and begin an orderly withdrawal of military assets to prevent an all-out war that would devastate the American and global economies.

Kent’s resignation letter served as a scathing critique of what he describes as "forever wars" fueled by external pressures rather than core American national interests. He contends that Iran does not pose a direct, existential threat to the United States homeland and that the current cycle of escalation—often driven by the security priorities of regional allies like Israel—is counterproductive. In his assessment, the military confrontations of recent months have not weakened Iran’s resolve but have instead highlighted the strengthening of its regional position. Kent posits that the United States is currently operating from a position of strategic inertia, maintaining bases that have transitioned from assets of deterrence to vulnerable targets that invite aggression.

The Economic Imperative and the Strait of Hormuz

Central to Kent’s argument is the protection of global trade and the prevention of an energy crisis that could trigger a worldwide depression. He emphasizes that the primary objective for Washington should be the restoration of the free flow of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway, situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Approximately 20% of the world’s total petroleum consumption passes through the strait daily, along with a significant portion of global LNG exports.

According to Kent, the presence of U.S. naval forces and ground bases in the immediate vicinity provides Tehran with a convenient justification for its "shadow war" tactics. He argues that as long as American forces are within striking distance, Iran is unlikely to make meaningful diplomatic concessions. By withdrawing these "relics of the past," the United States would remove the primary targets for Iranian-backed proxies and eliminate the pretext for Iranian interference with international shipping. Kent proposes a "strategic adaptation" where the U.S. shifts from a policy of military containment to one of economic leverage. He suggests that the United States could offer the lifting of heavy economic sanctions in exchange for ironclad guarantees regarding the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

A Chronology of Escalation and Human Cost

The urgency of Kent’s warning is underscored by the rising casualty count among American service members. The current cycle of violence escalated significantly following the events of October 7, 2023, which triggered a broader regional response from Iran’s "Axis of Resistance." Over the past five months, the U.S. military has confirmed 17 fatalities and more than 430 injuries among its personnel in the region.

A pivotal moment occurred when three U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone strike on a remote outpost in Jordan known as Tower 22. This was followed by incidents in Iraq, where U.S. troops were killed or injured during "controlled detonations" of intercepted Iranian-made loitering munitions. These casualties represent a significant spike in hostilities that had remained relatively dormant for several years. Kent argues that these deaths are the result of a failed policy that keeps American soldiers in "harm’s way" without a clear, achievable military objective.

The historical context of U.S.-Iran relations informs Kent’s skepticism of the current path. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the relationship has been defined by mutual distrust, ranging from the 444-day hostage crisis to the "Tanker War" of the 1980s. While the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) offered a temporary diplomatic thaw, the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the subsequent "maximum pressure" campaign under the Trump administration—which included the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020—have led to the current state of high-tension brinkmanship. Kent views the current administration’s inability to either return to diplomacy or successfully deter Iran as a sign that the old playbook is no longer functional.

The Burden of Regional Bases

Joe Kent characterizes U.S. military installations in Arab nations as a strategic liability. For decades, bases in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Qatar, and Bahrain were seen as essential for projecting power, counter-terrorism operations, and ensuring regional stability. However, Kent argues that these bases now serve as "magnets" for Iranian-aligned militia groups. Instead of projecting strength, they provide Iran with a "cost-effective" way to bleed the United States through low-intensity attrition.

"In any chaotic situation, the party that restores order wins," Kent noted in a recent statement. He believes that the United States is currently the primary source of friction in the region’s security architecture. By removing the military footprint, the U.S. would force regional actors to negotiate their own security arrangements, potentially leading to a more stable balance of power that does not require constant American intervention. This approach, often referred to by political realists as "offshore balancing," would allow the U.S. to maintain its interests from a distance, intervening only when a single power threatens to dominate the entire region in a way that directly harms American security.

Reactions and Divergent Perspectives in Washington

Kent’s calls for withdrawal have met with a mixed reception in the halls of power in Washington D.C. His views align with a growing "Restraint" school of foreign policy, which includes both progressive and conservative voices who are weary of interventionism. However, many in the foreign policy establishment—often referred to as "The Blob"—view Kent’s proposals as a dangerous retreat that would leave a power vacuum.

Critics of Kent’s position argue that a U.S. withdrawal would be seen as a victory for Tehran, emboldening the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to expand its influence into Lebanon, Yemen, and the Palestinian territories. Furthermore, allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia have historically expressed deep concern that a U.S. departure would leave them vulnerable to Iranian aggression. The Biden administration has, thus far, maintained a policy of "calibrated deterrence," launching retaliatory strikes against militia groups while attempting to avoid a direct war with Iran.

However, Kent points out that this "middle path" has failed to stop the attacks or curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He argues that the U.S. is currently trapped in a reactive cycle, where it responds to Iranian provocations without a long-term strategy for resolution. By acknowledging Iran as a regional power, Kent suggests that Washington can finally move toward a realistic diplomatic framework that addresses the core issues of regional security and nuclear proliferation.

Broader Implications for Global Security and the Economy

The implications of a potential full-scale conflict with Iran extend far beyond the borders of the Middle East. Global markets are highly sensitive to disruptions in the Persian Gulf. A war would likely lead to a surge in oil prices to over $150 per barrel, causing massive inflation and potentially a global recession. For a United States already grappling with domestic economic challenges and high national debt, the cost of another multi-trillion-dollar war in the Middle East would be catastrophic.

Furthermore, a prolonged conflict with Iran would distract the United States from its stated primary strategic challenge: the rise of China in the Indo-Pacific. Kent argues that the "obsession" with Iran is a strategic distraction that depletes resources and political capital that should be focused on the "Great Power Competition." He views the Middle East as a secondary theater that has consumed an inordinate amount of American blood and treasure over the last two decades with very little to show for it in terms of lasting stability.

From a geopolitical standpoint, Kent’s proposal to recognize Iran’s regional status also acknowledges the reality of shifting alliances. Iran has increasingly turned toward China and Russia for economic and military cooperation. By de-escalating, the U.S. might reduce Iran’s reliance on Washington’s primary global competitors, potentially opening doors for more nuanced diplomatic engagements.

Conclusion: The Case for Strategic Realism

Joe Kent’s advocacy for a U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East is rooted in a philosophy of strategic realism. He argues that the world has changed since the era of unipolar American dominance and that the U.S. must adapt to the reality of a multi-polar regional environment. "The war has changed the region. Iran has emerged as a major regional power—the faster we realize this reality and adjust our posture accordingly, the stronger our position will be," Kent concluded.

His perspective challenges the traditional consensus that American presence is the only thing preventing regional collapse. Instead, he suggests that American presence is often the catalyst for the very instability it seeks to prevent. As the 2024 election cycle approaches and the debate over foreign policy intensifies, Kent’s experience as a combat veteran and intelligence officer provides a sobering counter-narrative to the calls for further military escalation. Whether Washington will heed his warning or continue down the path of confrontation remains a defining question for the future of American global leadership and the stability of the world economy.

July 20, 2026 0 comment

National News

Dihadapan Para Menteri, Prabowo: Saya Minta Belajar ke Negara Lain untuk Hilangkan Kelaparan

by Jia Lissa July 20, 2026

written by Jia Lissa

Jakarta, VIVA – In a pivotal address at a Cabinet Plenary Session held at Istana Merdeka on Monday, July 20, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto issued a resolute directive to the ministers of his "Red and White Cabinet," urging them to undertake a comprehensive study of global best practices in eliminating hunger. The President emphasized that no citizen in Indonesia should endure hunger, advocating for an open-minded approach to learning from other nations’ successes. This pronouncement underscored a core commitment of his administration to ensuring national food security and combating malnutrition.

The President’s mandate was unambiguous: "There must be no one in Indonesia who goes hungry. I ask that we learn from other countries. Do not be ashamed to learn." This statement set the tone for a broader discussion on national development priorities, with food security and human capital development at its forefront. He specifically instructed his ministers to dispatch expert teams to countries like Brazil, India, China, and Vietnam, nations recognized for their significant strides in lifting their populations out of food insecurity. "Send teams to India, send teams to Brazil, send teams to China, send teams to Vietnam. Learn how they eliminated hunger. Indonesia, a member of the G20, cannot have citizens who are hungry," Prabowo asserted, highlighting the nation’s international standing and its inherent responsibility to its populace.

Global Benchmarking for Food Security: Lessons from Developing Giants

The President’s call to emulate the successes of Brazil, India, China, and Vietnam is rooted in these nations’ diverse yet effective approaches to food security. Brazil, for instance, famously implemented the "Fome Zero" (Zero Hunger) program in the early 2000s, a multi-faceted initiative that combined direct cash transfers, food distribution, and support for family farming, significantly reducing extreme poverty and hunger. Its success demonstrated the potential of integrated social policies. India, despite its vast population and persistent challenges, has a robust Public Distribution System (PDS) providing subsidized food grains to millions, alongside various nutritional programs and agricultural reforms aimed at boosting domestic production and ensuring food accessibility.

China’s transformation in food security is perhaps the most dramatic, having lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and food insecurity over the past few decades through comprehensive agricultural reforms, massive investments in infrastructure, and targeted poverty alleviation programs. Its success in achieving near-universal food sufficiency for its immense population offers invaluable insights into large-scale strategic planning and implementation. Vietnam, similarly, has transitioned from a food-deficit country to a major rice exporter, largely due to market-oriented agricultural reforms, land redistribution, and investments in rural development. These examples collectively offer a rich tapestry of policy frameworks, technological applications, and social safety nets that Indonesia could adapt and integrate into its own national strategy.

Indonesia, despite being an agricultural nation, has historically grappled with issues of food distribution, price volatility, and access, particularly in remote areas. While significant progress has been made in recent decades, pockets of food insecurity and malnutrition persist. According to recent data from the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), Indonesia has shown improvements in food availability and access, yet challenges remain in terms of quality and safety, as well as resilience to climate change and economic shocks. The President’s initiative signals a renewed, aggressive push to tackle these lingering issues by leveraging proven international models rather than reinventing the wheel. This strategic pivot towards comparative learning could accelerate Indonesia’s progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.

The "Free Nutritious Meal" Program: A Cornerstone Policy and Its Defense

A significant portion of President Prabowo’s address was dedicated to a fervent defense of his administration’s flagship "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (MBG) or Free Nutritious Meal program. This program, designed to provide daily nutritious meals to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, has been a central tenet of his campaign and early presidential agenda. The President expressed bewilderment and frustration at the criticisms labeling the MBG program as an "extravagance" or "wasteful spending."

"Providing nutritious food for Indonesian children, for pregnant mothers, for the elderly is considered wasteful," Prabowo remarked, highlighting what he perceived as a stark contradiction in public discourse. The MBG program aims to address critical public health issues, most notably stunting, which affects a significant portion of Indonesian children. Stunting, a chronic form of malnutrition, has long-term detrimental effects on cognitive development, educational attainment, and future economic productivity, trapping individuals and communities in a cycle of poverty. Official data indicates that approximately one-quarter of Indonesian children still suffer from stunting, a figure the government is determined to drastically reduce.

The President argued that the alleged "extravagance" of the MBG program pales in comparison to the "thousands of trillions" of rupiah reportedly lost to budget leakages and corruption over decades, which, he claimed, have gone largely uninvestigated or uncommented upon by critics. "It’s considered wasteful, but thousands of trillions that evaporate, that leave Indonesian soil every year for 34 years, there are no comments, no experts protest, no investigations," he stated emphatically. This strong rebuke implicitly challenged the priorities and perspectives of those who criticize social welfare spending while remaining silent on issues of systemic financial mismanagement or corruption.

Addressing Criticisms: Efficiency vs. Public Welfare

The debate surrounding the MBG program often revolves around its massive budget implications, its logistical complexities, and potential for inefficiencies or misuse of funds. Critics, including some economists and political commentators, have raised concerns about the fiscal sustainability of such a large-scale program, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s national budget and competing development priorities. Questions have also been posed regarding the implementation mechanisms, the quality control of the meals, and the potential for market distortions.

However, proponents, including the President, argue that the long-term benefits of eradicating hunger and stunting far outweigh the immediate costs. Investments in early childhood nutrition are widely recognized by public health experts and development economists as one of the most cost-effective interventions for national development. A healthy, well-nourished population is more productive, healthier, and contributes more significantly to economic growth. The World Bank and other international organizations have consistently highlighted the substantial economic returns on investments in nutrition, with studies suggesting that every dollar invested can yield up to $35 in economic benefits.

Prabowo’s defense thus framed the MBG program not as an expenditure but as a crucial investment in human capital and national resilience. He underscored the moral imperative to feed the nation’s vulnerable populations, particularly children who are the future. "We want to feed children who are clearly, at least a quarter of our children, stunting, and we are accused of wastefulness," he reiterated, emphasizing the tangible human cost of inaction.

The Broader Context: Indonesia’s Development Challenges

Indonesia’s journey towards comprehensive development is multifaceted, encompassing rapid economic growth, poverty reduction, and significant improvements in public health. However, persistent challenges like income inequality, regional disparities, and the aforementioned issues of stunting and food insecurity remain. As a G20 member, Indonesia bears the responsibility of addressing these domestic issues while also contributing to global development agendas. The President’s dual emphasis on learning from international peers and staunchly defending a key social program reflects a pragmatic approach to tackling these complex problems.

The "Red and White Cabinet" itself, formed under Prabowo’s leadership, is tasked with implementing a broad reform agenda aimed at accelerating development across various sectors. The focus on food security and nutrition is deeply integrated into this larger vision, recognizing that a healthy, educated populace is the bedrock of sustained economic progress and national strength. This strategic alignment underscores a shift towards more direct and impactful social interventions, moving beyond traditional economic indicators to prioritize human well-being.

Economic and Social Implications of Eradicating Hunger

The economic implications of successfully eradicating hunger and significantly reducing stunting are profound. A healthier workforce translates to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved educational outcomes. Children who are not stunted perform better in school, are more likely to complete higher education, and are better equipped to enter the skilled labor force. This creates a virtuous cycle of human capital development, poverty reduction, and sustained economic growth. For a nation like Indonesia, with its young demographic dividend, maximizing the potential of its youth is paramount.

Socially, the elimination of hunger fosters greater equity and social cohesion. It reduces the burden on families struggling to provide adequate nutrition, allowing them to invest in other areas like education and housing. It also strengthens community resilience and reduces social unrest that can arise from extreme deprivation. By ensuring that every Indonesian has access to nutritious food, the government aims to create a more inclusive society where opportunities are more evenly distributed.

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Oversight

The President’s directives initiate a significant phase for the "Red and White Cabinet." The process of dispatching expert teams to study international models will require careful planning, clear objectives, and robust reporting mechanisms. The insights gathered from Brazil, India, China, and Vietnam will need to be meticulously analyzed and adapted to Indonesia’s unique socio-economic and geographical context. This is not merely about replication but about intelligent adaptation and innovation.

Simultaneously, the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program will require rigorous oversight to ensure transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. Addressing criticisms about potential wastefulness will necessitate clear accountability frameworks, robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and proactive communication with the public. Demonstrating tangible positive outcomes, such as a measurable reduction in stunting rates and improved health indicators, will be crucial for garnering continued public support and silencing detractors.

The timeline for these initiatives is ambitious. The urgency conveyed by President Prabowo suggests a desire for swift action and demonstrable results within his term. The success of these programs will not only define his administration’s legacy but also significantly shape the future trajectory of Indonesia’s human development and national prosperity. The coming months will be critical in translating these presidential mandates into concrete policies and impactful programs that genuinely address the fundamental challenge of hunger and malnutrition across the archipelago.

July 20, 2026 0 comment