<![CDATA[The Free Nutritious Meal Program (Program Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) initiated by the Indonesian government aims to improve the nutritional quality of society, particularly among school children. However, the implementation of this program has generated various social controversies, including issues related to food quality, cases of food poisoning, and disparities in welfare between program staff and honorary teachers. This situation reflects the emergence of social tensions within society that can be interpreted as “signs of the times” from the perspective of pastoral theology. This study aims to analyze the controversies surrounding the MBG Program through a pastoral theological approach using the pastoral circle method, which consists of the stages of see, judge, and act. The study employs a qualitative approach through literature review of Church documents, Catholic social teachings, and relevant scholarly studies. The findings indicate that the controversies surrounding the MBG Program are not merely related to technical aspects of public policy, but also involve dimensions of social justice, human dignity, solidarity, and moral responsibility in the management of social welfare. In light of Catholic social teaching, particularly Fratelli Tutti and Evangelii Gaudium, this phenomenon becomes a pastoral call for the Church to be prophetically present in promoting social justice and the common good. Therefore, the social tensions that arise may become a space for theological reflection as well as an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity within society.]]>
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