Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan said the government is prioritizing the halal aspect in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
"The government prioritizes halal certification. This is crucial because MBG involves a long supply chain, from upstream to serving," Haikal said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Haikal stated that this effort is also in line with the implementation of the mandate of Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance and Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024.
"With halal certification, every MBG preparation process is guaranteed to meet halal and tayib standards," he said.
Meanwhile, strengthening the government's commitment to the MBG program is also carried out through collaboration between ministries and institutions.
One of them is the signing of a memorandum of understanding on synergy in the implementation of halal product assurance in MBG between BPJPH and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
"Nutritional fulfillment is not only about the availability of nutritious food, but also about fulfilling the halal requirements, which are a requirement for the majority of the population. This synergy will strengthen nutritional quality while ensuring halal certification for MBG services," said Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Food and Drug Agency (BGN).
Currently, 7,475 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) are recorded as being part of the implementation of the MBG Program.
The implementation of this memorandum of understanding ensures that 7,475 service kitchens have certified halal supervisors and that all menus are halal-certified through the halal certification mechanism, so that the nutritional services provided are not only nutritious and healthy but also meet the needs of the majority of Indonesians.
"This joint commitment requires integration and collaboration across all ministries and institutions to ensure that halal standards are implemented comprehensively," he added.
