The MBG program is now entering a crucial phase in ensuring that every meal served to Indonesian children is not only nutritious but also halal and thayyib (good, healthy, and nutritious). The government, through the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has emphasized the obligation of halal certification for all MBG kitchens. In response, LPPOM is committed to accelerating the halal certification process for all MBG kitchens in Indonesia, ensuring ease of implementation.
The government continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring food safety and halal status for Indonesia’s younger generation. Through collaboration between the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is now focused not only on meeting children’s nutritional needs but also on ensuring that every meal served in MBG kitchens is guaranteed halal, healthy, and thayyib (good, healthy, and nutritious).
This step was affirmed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Synergy in Implementing Halal Product Assurance in the National Nutrition Fulfillment Program, which marks an important milestone for the implementation of halal MBG throughout Indonesia between BPJPH and BGN.
Government Commitment: Nutrition Must Align with Halal Certification
As reported on the official BPJPH website, the Head of BPJPH, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, emphasized that this synergy is part of the implementation of Act Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance and Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024.
“In addition to implementing regulatory mandates, this memorandum of understanding is concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to prioritizing halal aspects. The MBG program involves a long supply chain, from upstream to serving. Halal certification ensures that the quality, nutrition, and halal status of food are maintained,” said the Head of BPJPH.
Meanwhile, the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, added that fulfilling nutritional needs is not only about adequate nutrition but must also consider the needs of the majority of Indonesians who prioritize halal certification.
“This synergy will strengthen nutritional quality while providing halal assurance for MBG services,” said Dadan, as reported on the official social media channels of the Government Communications Agency of the Republic of Indonesia.
7,475 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) Required to Obtain Halal Certification
As of September 2025, there will be 7,475 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) participating in the MBG program. Through a collaboration between the BPJPH and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), all of these service units are targeted to have certified halal supervisors and menus that are halal-certified.
This step ensures that every nutrition service in schools, Islamic boarding schools, and remote areas is not only nutritious but also meets BPJPH halal standards. However, of the 9,406 registered SPPGs, the government recorded 79 problematic MBG kitchens that have been subject to sanctions, ranging from warnings to temporary closure.
As a corrective measure, the Deputy Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, emphasized that each SPPG must obtain three main certificates within one month:
- A Certificate of Hygiene and Sanitation,
- A BPJPH Halal Certificate, and
- A Certificate of Suitable Water Use.
In addition, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has formed a national investigation team to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all MBG kitchens in various regions. The goal is to ensure that this program continues to be safe, high-quality, and reliable for Indonesian children.
The Role of LPPOM in Accelerating Halal Certification for MBG Kitchens
Support for this government policy also comes from the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM, which has more than 36 years of experience in product halal inspection services. LPPOM Corporate Secretary, Raafqi Ranasasmita, stated that this government step is highly strategic.
“The MBG halal program not only ensures adequate nutrition, but also ensures food is safe, healthy, halal, and thayyib (good) as mandated by regulations. With a long food supply chain, having a BPJPH halal certificate is a crucial instrument to prevent contamination with haram or impure ingredients at every stage of production,” explained Raafqi.
He added that LPPOM is ready to help expedite BPJPH halal certification for all MBG kitchens, KPPGs, and SPPGs in Indonesia. With LPPOM’s presence in 34 provinces and more than 1,000 competent auditors, the certification process is expected to be fast, efficient, and in accordance with BPJPH regulations.
LPPOM also invites all nutrition service providers in the regions to collaborate in realizing halal MBG. “Guaranteeing halal food is not just an administrative obligation, but a moral commitment to safeguard the blessings and health of the nation’s future generations,” Raafqi emphasized.
As part of its efforts to broaden public understanding of halal certification, LPPOM is presenting the Halal On 30 program — an educational initiative that helps businesses and MBG organizers understand the halal certification process in just 30 minutes. The program is easily accessible through bit.ly/HalalOn30 and provides a practical step for anyone wanting to ensure their products and kitchens meet BPJPH halal standards.
The MBG kitchen is not just a cooking space, but also a symbol of shared responsibility to provide nutritious, safe, and halal food for Indonesian children. With the comprehensive implementation of BPJPH halal certification, the halal MBG program is expected to become a strong foundation towards a healthy, high-quality, and blessed Indonesia. (YN)
