By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is one of the government’s breakthroughs in strengthening human resources from an early age. This program not only aims to ensure that every school child receives adequate nutrition, but also serves as a strategy to reduce social inequality, reduce stunting rates, and build a healthier and smarter generation. However, like other national programs, the MBG requires strict and ongoing monitoring to ensure its implementation is on target.
One of the key instruments established by the government is the implementation of certification within the MBG program’s implementation chain. Certification is intended to provide a quality standard that ensures every stage, from food supply and processing to distribution and consumption, meets health and food safety criteria, as well as public accountability.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) announced a significant achievement in its efforts to improve food quality and safety. A total of 198 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) have now officially obtained a Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS). This data, recorded as of September 30, 2025, demonstrates a strong commitment to health standards.
Nanik S. Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Service Agency (BGN), stated that this figure represents a drastic increase compared to the previous report, which only recorded 35 SPPG units. This increase underscores BGN’s focus on protecting beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
SLHS is one of the mandatory requirements set by the National Agency for National Gas (BGN) to ensure cleanliness and sanitation in the MBG production process. This certification aims to minimize the risk of contamination and health problems. BGN continues to encourage operating SPPGs (Spegners and Food Processing Companies) to promptly obtain this important certification.
As of September 30, 2025, the number of SPPGs holding a Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) reached 198. This figure has increased sharply from the 35 previously reported by Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari. This increase reflects real progress in implementing hygiene standards.
The distribution of certified SPPGs is spread across several regions. Region I recorded 102 SPPGs, Region II 35 SPPGs, and Region III 61 SPPGs. This data demonstrates equitable efforts across the regions to meet food safety standards.
The Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) is a key pillar in ensuring these standards. This certification is an absolute prerequisite for every operating SPPG.
Nanik S. Deyang stated that the National Food Security Agency (BGN) continues to encourage existing SPPGs to immediately process the issuance of SLHS (Small Food Permits). The deadline for this process is October 2025. This concerns food security and beneficiary protection, so it must be prioritized.
The National Civil Service Agency (BGN) monitors the progress of SPPG certification on a daily basis. This step is taken to ensure that no SPPGs fall short of these mandatory standards. This commitment aims to build public trust in the MBG program.
In addition to the Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS), the National Food Safety Agency (BGN) also requires SPPGs to obtain other relevant certifications. These certifications include HACCP, NKV, and halal certification, to ensure overall quality. This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to food safety.
Recent data shows that 26 SPPGs have HACCP certification, 15 SPPGs are NKV certified, and 106 SPPGs have HSP certification. Furthermore, 23 SPPGs are ISO 22000 certified, 20 SPPGs are ISO 45001 certified, and 34 SPPGs have halal certification. These certifications strengthen SPPGs’ operational standards.
Nanik S. Deyang stated that these various certifications are crucial as standards for the implementation of the MBG Program. The goal is to minimize the risk of contamination and potential health problems for beneficiaries. The hope is that this step will build trust among beneficiaries and the public that BGN is committed to achieving zero accidents (zero poisoning incidents).
Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the Ministry of Health’s role in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is to conduct comprehensive oversight. This step is taken to ensure the quality and safety of food served through Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to students throughout Indonesia.
According to Health Minister Budi, supervision is carried out using three main approaches, namely standardized reporting, food safety certification, and multi-layered supervision.
In addition to certification, the Ministry of Health has also established rapid response groups in each region, consisting of the Health Office, regional public hospitals, and School Health Units (UKS). These groups are tasked with responding quickly to mass poisonings or Extraordinary Events (KLB).
In external supervision, the Ministry of Health collaborates with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the TNI/Polri, and regional officials to conduct daily monitoring of the implementation of MBG.
Supervision will be conducted not only on the production side but also on the beneficiary side. Health Minister Budi emphasized that his office will coordinate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to involve the School Health Unit (UKS) in checking the quality of food before consumption by students. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health will monitor students’ nutritional status by measuring their height and weight every six months. This data will be recorded by name and address to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The annual nutrition survey will also be expanded, focusing not only on stunting but also on children aged five and older.
The implementation of certification in the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a crucial step to strengthen oversight, transparency, and service quality. Through certification, the government not only ensures that every student receives nutritious and safe food but also enforces accountable and participatory governance. With strong commitment, cross-sector support, and community involvement, certification implementation will be key to success in realizing a healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive generation in the future.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
