Synergy of LPH UIN Malang in Advancing Halal Certification for the MBG Program in East Java

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of East Java Province held a Coordination Meeting with all Halal Inspection Bodies (LPH) across East Java to accelerate the implementation of the Halal Certification Program for Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in the region. The meeting, held in Surabaya, was attended by 12 LPHs in East Java, including the Halal Inspection Body of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang (LPH UIN Malang), which expressed its full readiness to actively contribute to the acceleration of halal certification for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in East Java.

This meeting served as a strategic platform for the East Java MUI and LPHs to align their steps toward achieving the national halal certification target set by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for the MBG program. In his remarks, the Chairperson of MUI East Java, Dr. KH. M. Sudjak, M.Ag., emphasized the importance of synergy among BPJPH, LPHs, and the MUI Fatwa Commission in strengthening the halal industry ecosystem. This includes supporting the MBG program, which targets early childhood (PAUD) to high school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers — with the primary goal of reducing stunting and malnutrition in Indonesia.

Dr. Sudjak further highlighted, “The acceleration of halal certification is not merely about obtaining a halal label, but about ensuring that the halal status is truly guaranteed and accountable before Allah SWT.” He called upon all stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring the integrity of halal products.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has set a target to achieve significant progress in halal certification for SPPGs (Nutritional Food Production Facilities) within the next month. As the frontline implementers of the MBG program, SPPGs play a crucial role in food production and distribution. These units are classified into three grades based on their production capacity: Grade A (more than 5,000 portions), Grade B (more than 3,000 portions), and Grade C (more than 2,000 portions).

Currently, approximately 1,310 SPPGs are operating in East Java, though this number is expected to grow. Comprehensive data collection is required to identify which MBG products have already obtained halal certification and which have not.

During the meeting, several strategies for acceleration were discussed, including the mapping of uncertified SPPGs, the implementation of technical guidance for communities, and the readiness of the MUI Fatwa Commission to expedite halal determination sessions. The meeting also underscored the importance of implementing thayyib (good and clean) standards in SPPG kitchens—covering raw material hygiene, traceability of meat sources, proper washing of critical materials such as eggs and vegetables, and supplier verification through supporting documents such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

Representing LPH UIN Malang, Prilya Dewi Fitriasari reaffirmed the institution’s strong commitment to supporting the MBG program through enhanced audit functions, community education, and inter-agency collaboration.

“We are ready to collaborate with MUI East Java and other LPHs to accelerate the halal certification process, particularly for business actors involved in the MBG program,” she stated.

As an LPH holding ‘Utama’ (Primary) accreditation, LPH UIN Malang is committed to providing halal audit services not only within the province but also at the national and international levels.

Through its active involvement, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang continues to demonstrate its role as a higher education institution that contributes beyond academia—playing a tangible part in developing Indonesia’s national halal ecosystem.

The coordination meeting concluded with a joint commitment to strengthen synergy, accelerate the halal certification process, and ensure that all SPPGs in East Java comply with halal and thayyib standards in accordance with prevailing regulations.