In an effort to strengthen the halal food ecosystem in Indonesia, the Central Java LPPOM, in collaboration with the Serayu Sejahtera Sejati Foundation, is providing 146 Purwokerto SPPG Kitchens with Technical Guidance on the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH). This step is a crucial part of The Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), ensuring that every menu item served is not only healthy and nutritious but also guaranteed halal according to BPJPH standards.Â
The Central Java LPPOM Halal Inspection Body (LPH), in collaboration with the Serayu Sejahtera Sejati Foundation, held a Technical Guidance (Bimtek) on the Halal Assurance System for 146 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit Kitchens (SPPG Kitchens) on October 11, 2025, at the Grand Karlita Hotel Purwokerto. This activity serves as a form of support and an initial step towards providing healthy and nutritious menus for communities participating in the government initiated The Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), particularly in Central Java.
In his remarks, R. Ucu Supriatna, Patron of the Serayu Sejahtera Sejati Foundation, emphasized his organization’s commitment to supporting government policies regarding halal product assurance. “We are committed to producing halal menus and complying with government regulations by registering for halal certification for The Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) menu,” said Ucu Supriatna.
He further explained that the collaboration with the LPH LPPOM is a strategic step to expedite the halal certification process and ensure the halal status of all menu items served under the MBG program. In addition to focusing on halal certification, the SPPG Kitchen also adheres to high standards in health, hygiene, and food safety.
This October, the SPPG is in the process of applying for a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate and conducting food handler training to ensure the kitchen and staff have the required competencies. The SPPG Kitchen plays a significant role in distributing the Free Nutritious Meal program to various community groups, from integrated health posts (Posyandu), early childhood education (PAUD), kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school/equivalent students, to Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
Meanwhile, Muhammad Shofa M., SHI., MH, Deputy Director of LPPOM Central Java, emphasized the importance of a thorough understanding of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH). Through this technical guidance activity, participants are expected to prepare themselves well and apply halal principles throughout the production process. “SPPG must produce halal menus with traceable halal ingredients and produced in production facilities that meet the criteria,” emphasized Muhammad Shofa.
He also emphasized the importance of consistency in implementing the five criteria of the Halal Product Assurance System: management commitment and responsibility, halal ingredients, halal product processes (halal production facilities, critical procedures), and monitoring and evaluation (internal audits and management reviews). With a solid understanding of these five aspects, the SPPG Kitchen can ensure the halal status of every stage of production and distribution of MBG menus.
Auditors from the Central Java Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (LPH LPPOM) also expressed their readiness to assist with the entire preparation and implementation of halal audits for SPPG Kitchens. This assistance aims to ensure that every kitchen involved in the MBG program fully meets the halal standards set by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH).
With this synergy, it is hoped that more MBG Kitchens will be halal-certified in Central Java. This not only demonstrates regulatory compliance but also provides a sense of security and peace of mind for the community and students consuming menus from the Free Nutritious Meal program.
To facilitate the introduction of halal certification for all MBG participants, LPH LPPOM invites all MBG program participants to participate in the “Halal On 30” program—a short, 30-minute learning session that covers the halal certification process in a practical and easy-to-understand manner. This program, accessible online at bit.ly/HalalOn30, is a simple yet effective step for anyone looking to strengthen the implementation of halal standards in accordance with BPJPH regulations.
This collaborative effort between the Serayu Sejahtera Sejati Foundation and the LPH LPPOM of Central Java serves as a concrete example of how the social sector and halal inspection bodies can work together to create a food ecosystem that is not only nutritious but also guaranteed halal. Through ongoing technical guidance and education activities, Purwokerto has become a pioneer in implementing Halal MBG at the regional level and an inspiration for other regions in Indonesia. (DILA/YN)
