PBNU’s Gus Yahya Expresses Interest in Collaborating with Government on Free Nutritious Meal Program
Jakarta — The General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya), has expressed his organization’s intention to participate in the government’s free nutritious meal program. Speaking at a gathering with media personnel at PBNU’s headquarters in Central Jakarta, Gus Yahya shared that PBNU is eager to contribute if given the opportunity.
"We hope to be involved in the free nutritious meal program. Of course, we would like to contribute if there’s room for us to do so," said Gus Yahya on Friday (3/1/2025). He added that PBNU sees the involvement of UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) as a strategic avenue for the organization’s efforts.
Gus Yahya revealed that several pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) under PBNU’s purview have been contacted by the government to serve as pilot locations for the program. He noted that the program would be carried out in coordination with the government and PBNU.
"We’re currently in the process of selecting some pesantren to serve as pilot sites for this free nutritious meal program. This will be done under the coordination of the government and PBNU," he explained.
The PBNU chairman also stated that his organization is prepared to contribute to the program once its specific details have been finalized by the government. He emphasized that PBNU is ready to support the initiative led by President Prabowo Subianto.
"We’re currently awaiting the government’s plan for managing this program. When the details are finalized, we hope that PBNU can play a role in contributing to its success," Gus Yahya concluded.
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