BGN Head Dadan Hindayana noted that the step is necessary as MBG made up 48 percent of 441 food poisoning cases in the country.
"The number of affected beneficiaries reached 11,640 people, comprising 636 people receiving inpatient treatment and 11,004 people receiving outpatient treatment," he said in a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Wednesday.
In addition to SLHS, Hindayana also underlined the need to accelerate the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification and halal certification of MBG kitchens, or officially called Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGS).
He noted that, based on a report from the Ministry of Health, the number of SPPGs that already hold a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) only stood at 1,619.
"The acceleration of the certification process depends on the policy set by the regional government in each region," he remarked.
In an effort to improve the governance of this national priority program, he added that there are several rules that all SPPGs must heed. The first is the mandatory use of rapid tests to prevent food poisoning.
"All SPPGs are required to use sterilization tools for lunchboxes or food trays, and to use certified water or water filters to ensure clean water is used in the cooking process and when washing eating utensils," the BGN head stated.
Furthermore, every SPPG is also obligated to provide regular training and technical guidance to food handlers to ensure they understand the principles of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety.
According to Hindayana, as of November 11, 2025, MBG has reached 41.6 million beneficiaries served by 14,773 SPPGs across Indonesia, with Rp43.3 trillion (US$2.5 billion) out of the Rp71 trillion budget allocated for 2025 having been spent.
The MBG program was initiated as one of the priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto, aimed at improving the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
With a target of 82.9 million beneficiaries, the program is one of the largest implemented in the country.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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