Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen the food safety system in the implementation of the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG).
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the program runs safely, meets operational standards, and is on target.
“MBG is a basic right of citizens to meet adequate nutritional intake so they can become superior generations in the future,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
He emphasized that this large-scale program has its own challenges.
“There are challenges and shortcomings. However, the government is committed to responding quickly, as instructed by the President, to improve the system and strengthen the overall governance of the MBG,” he added.
Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, explained the monitoring mechanisms that will be implemented.
He stated that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will require all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to have Hygiene and Sanitation certification from the Ministry of Health.
In addition, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification related to nutritional standards and risk management, as well as halal certification, will be implemented.
“These three certification processes, plus one more, are recognition from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). The Ministry of Health, BPOM, and BGN will collaborate on certification. This is the initial standardization process,” said the Minister of Health.
He added that the government will expedite the issuance of certificates without compromising quality and at an affordable cost.
Field supervision is carried out daily by BGN with support from BPOM and the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Home Affairs will conduct weekly external supervision.
In the event of an extraordinary event (KLB), the government will establish a rapid response task force consisting of health offices, regional hospitals, schools, and the Ministry of Health to ensure swift and coordinated response.
The Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, emphasized the importance of overseeing the safety of MBG food to provide confidence to beneficiaries.
“Identifying critical aspects at each stage of MBG program management is important so that control can be implemented in a more focused and targeted manner,” he said.
Taruna added that BPOM is ready to fully support and prioritize MBG as a national strategic program. He believes that with optimal management,
the MBG program can strengthen the quality of human resources towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
