A total of 7,500 MBG kitchens secure halal certification: BPJPH

Kudus (ANTARA) - A total of 7,500 kitchens under Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program have obtained halal certificates, as authorities accelerate compliance ahead of the mandatory October 2026 deadline, the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) said.

BPJPH Deputy for Halal Registration and Certification Mamat Salamet Burhanuddin said the agency has coordinated with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensure halal certification is available for all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs).

Speaking at a halal certification forum in Kudus, Central Java, on Thursday, Burhanuddin said BPJPH is working with BGN and regional coordinators to encourage more MBG kitchens to complete certification.

"We have invited regional coordinators to virtual meetings and held online forums with SPPG operators across the country," Burhanuddin said.

He said the discussions provide comprehensive guidance on halal certification requirements, helping operators better understand the application process and regulatory standards.

The outreach also aims to prevent misinformation that could portray halal certification as expensive or overly complicated, Burhanuddin said.

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He acknowledged certification for SPPGs typically takes longer than for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises because the kitchens are classified as medium-to-large businesses. Processing generally requires 10 to 25 days.

The government is also encouraging MBG kitchens to prioritize meeting administrative requirements before pursuing expansion targets, with greater emphasis on operational quality than rapid growth.

"These kitchens must now focus on obtaining halal certification, hygiene certification, and fulfilling other regulatory requirements," Burhanuddin said.

Halal certification is mandatory for SPPGs under Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, with compliance required by October 2026.

Since its launch in January 2026, the MBG program has served about 65 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five nationwide through nearly 30,000 SPPGs.

President Prabowo Subianto launched the program as part of a broader strategy to improve nutrition, strengthen human capital, and stimulate local economic activity.

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Translator: A. Nazaruddin, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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