"The MBG program is not only an investment in nutrition, but also an investment in trust. With halal certification, the public can be assured that the food they consume is healthy, safe, and in line with sharia law," said Muhammad Aqil Irham, BPJPH Principal Secretary, in Jakarta on Tuesday.
BPJPH is also working with the Ministry of National Development Planning to expedite halal certification for the program. Irham said the agency is committed to fostering synergy across ministries and institutions to ensure MBG's successful implementation.
The MBG initiative was launched as a strategic government program to support one of the eight Asta Cita missions — strengthening Indonesia's human resource development.
Bahjuri Ali, Acting Deputy for Human Development and Culture at the Ministry of National Development Planning, said the program's success depends not only on fulfilling nutrition needs, but also on ensuring food safety and halal standards.
The halal certification mechanism will be carried out through collaboration between BPJPH and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Under this scheme, the BGN will act as a facilitator for halal certification of MBG kitchens, officially known as Nutrition Service Fulfillment Units (SPPG).
A coordination meeting also discussed a 2025–2029 roadmap for accelerating halal certification of MBG kitchens, covering location priorities, halal supervisor training, and strengthening the role of regional Halal Inspection Institutions (LPH).
"We hope this synergy can be implemented effectively, so the MBG program not only improves nutrition but also guarantees the halal standards of food products," Irham said.
Related news: Indonesian govt ensures children's nutrition through MBG program
Related news: Indonesia ensures safety in Free Nutritious Meals for young children
Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Martha Herlinawati Simanjunt
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
