By: Hanan Alfawazi*)
The success of a public program is determined not only by the size of its budget or the breadth of its beneficiaries, but also by the quality of the governance that supports it. This principle becomes increasingly relevant in the implementation of the Free Nutritional Meals Program (MBG), a program that addresses the basic needs of the community and is directly related to the health of millions of beneficiaries. In this context, the government’s decision to require all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens to have a Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) is a crucial step in strengthening program implementation standards.
The policy, which took effect on August 10, 2026, marks a shift in the government’s focus from simply expanding the program’s reach to strengthening the quality of its implementation. This step demonstrates that the success of the MBG is measured not only by the quantity of food distributed, but also by ensuring that each meal is produced through safe, hygienic processes and meets health standards.
On numerous occasions, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, emphasized that the SLHS is not merely an administrative requirement, but rather an instrument for ensuring food safety. According to him, the government has given all MBG kitchen managers time to comply with applicable regulations, so the implementation of this policy is part of the ongoing development process. He also emphasized that kitchens that fail to meet the requirements by the specified deadline will no longer be able to operate because food safety standards cannot be compromised.
Furthermore, Sudaryono ensured that enforcing the regulation would not diminish the rights of the community as beneficiaries. The National Nutrition Agency has established a mechanism for redistributing services through other kitchens that have met the requirements so that food distribution continues. This approach demonstrates that standard enforcement is carried out simultaneously with efforts to maintain the continuity of public services.
This approach reflects the principle of quality assurance in governance. In public policy, supervision aims not only to identify violations but also to ensure that each stage of implementation meets established standards. By making SLHS an operational requirement, the government is establishing a more preventative system to minimize food safety risks rather than relying solely on post-issue response.
Strengthening MBG governance also received support from the Coordinating Ministry for Food. Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan assessed that a program reaching millions of beneficiaries requires uniform operational standards across all regions. According to him, food safety must be the primary foundation of MBG implementation so that the entire food supply process can be accounted for to the public.
Zulkifli also emphasized the importance of coordination between the National Nutrition Agency, local governments, health offices, and various relevant ministries to ensure more effective certification and supervision processes. Inter-agency synergy is crucial because MBG implementation involves a long chain of operations, from raw material procurement and cooking, distribution, and serving food to beneficiaries.
From a public policy perspective, strengthening this coordination is a relevant step, given that food safety is a cross-sectoral issue. Hygiene and sanitation certification relates not only to health aspects but also to environmental governance, the quality of kitchen infrastructure, human resource competency, and the effectiveness of the monitoring system. Therefore, the successful implementation of SLHS requires consistent collaboration between agencies, not just oversight from a single institution.
Recently, the government has also continuously evaluated the implementation of MBG in various regions. These steps include coaching SPPG managers, increasing field inspections, refining operational standards, and strengthening the quality control system. Regular evaluations are a crucial part of the policy cycle so that findings in the field can be promptly addressed through measurable improvements.
Implementation challenges certainly remain. Not all regions have the same infrastructure readiness, while the process of fulfilling certification requirements requires time, resources, and technical assistance. Therefore, policy effectiveness is determined not only by the firmness of regulation implementation, but also by the government’s ability to provide assistance to kitchen managers to ensure they meet established standards. An approach that combines guidance and enforcement will better encourage compliance than one that is solely repressive.
In the long term, The implementation of the Sanitary Hygiene Feasibility Certificate (SLHS) holds the potential to yield benefits that extend beyond mere compliance with operational requirements. Higher standards will boost public confidence in the Free Nutritious Meal Program, strengthen the food safety culture among program operators, and foster a public service system that is increasingly professional and accountable.
The mandatory SLHS requirement demonstrates that the success of a public policy is measured not only by the breadth of its beneficiary reach but also by the quality of its implementation. Within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, this policy reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that access to nutritious food aligns with food safety standards. Consistent oversight, guidance for program operators, and synergy among stakeholders form the foundation of professional and accountable governance.
. *) The author is a social observer.