Accelerating halal certification is a strategic step to ensure the MBG program runs quickly, accurately, and reliably. Through the synergy between BGN, BPJPH, and LPH LPPOM, the certification process can now be completed in one month, ensuring that every MBG dish is not only nutritious and safe but also halal and blessed for the Indonesian generation.
Accelerating halal certification in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is now a concrete step to ensure that the food consumed by the public is not only nutritious, but also safe and halal. Through cross-agency collaboration, the halal certification process for MBG kitchens can now be completed in just one month, without compromising accuracy or compliance with applicable standards.
“One month is quite fast, but that doesn’t mean anything can be done without any compromise. Acceleration means the process is expedited, but all requirements are still met,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Ir. Sitti Aida Adha Taridala, M.Si., Director of Nutritional Governance for the Deputy for Systems and Governance at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), in the webinar “Halal in Your Hands: MBG Kitchen Certification Completed in 1 Month” held on October 8, 2025.
The event, attended by more than 2,500 participants, served as an important platform to strengthen collaboration between the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), and the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM, to ensure that the acceleration of halal certification is effective, measurable, and adheres to the principle of integrity. This step is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the nationwide implementation of the MBG program, while also ensuring the nutritional quality and halal status of products in each participating kitchen.
The Urgency of Inter-Institutional Synergy
According to Prof. Aida, the accelerated halal certification policy is not only important from an administrative perspective but also demonstrates a moral responsibility to the community. “We are very grateful to LPH LPPOM for this program. We hope that this accelerated certification will not only simplify the process but also strengthen the assurance of quality and sustainability of the program in the field,” she said. She emphasized that this acceleration was carried out with the utmost care, ensuring that each stage meets all requirements according to BPJPH regulations.
In a broader context, the acceleration of halal certification symbolizes the successful synergy between institutions. BGN plays a role in establishing nutritional and food safety standards, ensuring that MBG menus meet balanced and hygienic dietary needs. BPJPH, on the other hand, ensures that regulations and the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH) run efficiently, with a target of completing certification within one month. Meanwhile, LPPOM, as a halal inspection agency with over three decades of experience, is tasked with conducting audits, providing technical assistance, and coaching MBG kitchen operators to ensure that all ingredients and production processes comply with Islamic law.
This synergy is a crucial foundation for building an MBG ecosystem that is not only nutritious but also brings blessings. Cross-agency collaboration ensures that acceleration does not mean a reduction in quality, but rather simplifies the process without compromising strict halal principles. In its implementation, local governments and schools are at the forefront of program implementation on the ground, ensuring that every child receiving food from the MBG program receives safe, healthy, and halal food.
Benefits of Synergy Between Three Institutions
Beyond simply fulfilling nutritional needs, the integration of nutrition and halal food in the MBG program also has broad social and economic impacts. Through the halal certification process, many food MSMEs and Nutrition Education Provider Units (SPPG) can upgrade and become part of a stronger and more trusted national food supply chain. The synergy between the National Food Security Agency (BGN), BPJPH, and LPH LPPOM also helps build a positive image of the MBG program in the public eye, demonstrating that the program is run professionally and in accordance with sustainability principles.
Prof. Aida emphasized that integrating nutrition and halal food is a long-term investment in the nation’s future. “The Free Nutritious Meals Program is not just about providing food, but ensuring that every mouthful carries nutritional value, cleanliness, and blessings,” she said. This vision aligns with the target of Indonesia Emas 2045, where the next generation is expected to grow up healthy, intelligent, and virtuous.
The latest data from BGN shows that there are currently 30,000 partners registered on the BGN portal. Of these, 11,504 partners have passed verification, while the remainder are still in the process. The final target for 2025 is 25,400 partners in agglomeration areas and 6,000 SPPGs in remote areas, with a total program beneficiary population of 82.9 million. The massive scale of this program underscores the need for an efficient, standardized, and reliable system—and this is where halal certification plays a crucial role.
To support the education and mentoring process, LPH LPPOM has also introduced the “Halal On 30” program, a short, 30-minute learning session that explains the halal certification process in a practical and easy-to-understand manner. This online program, accessible at bit.ly/HalalOn30, is an effective solution to help MBG program participants quickly and accurately understand the certification steps. Through the acceleration of solid halal certification and synergy across institutions, the government is optimistic that the Free Nutritious Meal ecosystem can become more focused, transparent, and of higher quality. As Prof. Aida, who inspired the spirit of collaboration among all parties, said, “Let’s create a halal and nutritious MBG ecosystem for a healthy generation of Indonesia.” (YN)
