Nourishing the Nation: The Free Nutritious Meal Policy as an Instrument of Food Security, Educational Equity, and Social Justice in Islamic Educational Management
Keywords:
Free Nutritious Meal (MBG), Educational Equity, Social Justice, Islamic Educational Management, Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
This study critically examines the multidimensional implications of the Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) policy in Indonesia, situating it at the convergence of food security, educational equity, and social justice within the framework of Islamic educational management. Grounded in a document-based qualitative methodology complemented by a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published within the past five years, the study advances an integrative policy analysis that transcends conventional single-sector assessments. The findings demonstrate that the MBG policy constitutes a strategic state intervention capable of significantly improving children’s access to nutritious food, strengthening educational participation and retention, and reducing structural inequalities through inclusive and equitable benefit distribution. Furthermore, MBG serves as a catalyst for local economic empowerment by engaging smallholder food producers and aligns with principles of sustainable development through the integration of social, economic, and environmental considerations. Viewed through the Islamic educational management lens, MBG resonates with the normative imperative of maslahah ‘ammah (public welfare), the Quranic mandate to nourish the marginalized (Q.S. Al-Baqarah: 177; Q.S. Al-Ma’un: 1–7), and the prophetic tradition of ensuring communal food security as an act of collective responsibility (fardh kifayah). In conclusion, MBG represents a transformative, multidimensional public policy that simultaneously addresses nutritional deprivation, educational barriers, and social inequity while advancing the long-term goals of sustainable national development.
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