The Free Nutritious Meals Mega Project: Exploring the Perspectives of Universitas Atma Jaya YogyakartaStudents

Abstract

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is the flagship policy of the Prabowo-Gibran administration aimed at reducing stunting and malnutrition in Indonesia. This study explores the perspectives of students at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta toward the program, employing a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with ten students from diverse academic disciplines. The analytical framework draws on political socialization and political communication theories. Findings reveal that the majority of students understand the goals of the MBG program; however, they raise concerns about its implementation, including food poisoning incidents, poor menu quality, inadequate oversight, and allegations of political image-making. Students from social science backgrounds tend to be more critical in their assessments, while those from exact sciences approach the program more pragmatically. Despite their criticisms, most students agree that the program should continue, provided that comprehensive reforms are made in the areas of budget transparency, vendor selection, and food quality assurance. This study confirms that university students are active political subjects who engage critically with national policy, demonstrating the relevance of political socialization and communication frameworks in understanding youth political attitudes in Indonesia.