LPH UIN Malang's Synergy in Encouraging MBG Halal Certification in East Java

This meeting served as a strategic forum for the East Java MUI and the LPH in aligning steps towards the national target of halal certification launched by the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for the MBG program. In its direction, the East Java MUI emphasized the importance of synergy between BPJPH, LPH, and the MUI Fatwa Commission in strengthening the halal industry ecosystem, including the Free Nutritious Meal program targeting students from early childhood education to high school, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, with the main goal of reducing stunting and malnutrition in Indonesia. In his remarks, the chairman of the East Java MUI, Dr. KH. M. Sudjak, M.Ag. reiterated that,

"The accelerated halal certification process is not merely about obtaining a halal label but also about ensuring that halalness is guaranteed with accountability to Allah SWT," so it is hoped that all parties will commit to guaranteeing halal products.

The National Nutrition Agency (BNN) is targeting accelerated halal certification for SPPG (Nutritional Food Production Facilities) with significant achievements within the next month. The spearhead of the MBG program is the crucial role of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). SPPGs are classified into several grades based on their production capacity: Grade A (>5,000 servings), Grade B (>3,000 servings), and Grade C (>2,000 servings). Currently, approximately 1,310 SPPGs are operating in East Java, but this number is expected to grow, and data collection of MBG products, both halal and non-halal, is necessary.

The meeting discussed various acceleration strategies, including data collection for non-halal-certified SPPGs, technical guidance for the public, and the Fatwa Commission's readiness to expedite halal certification hearings. The importance of implementing good and clean standards in SPPG kitchens was also emphasized, including raw material cleanliness, clarity of meat origin, washing of critical ingredients, eggs, and equipment, and tracing materials from suppliers through supporting documents such as memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

LPH UIN Malang affirmed its commitment to play an active role in supporting the MBG program by strengthening its audit function, public education, and cross-institutional cooperation.

"We are ready to collaborate with the East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and other LPHs to expedite the halal certification process, especially for businesses involved in the MBG program," said Prilya Dewi Fitriasari, a representative of LPH UIN Malang. LPH UIN Malang, which has received Utama accreditation, is committed to providing halal audit services not only within the province but also nationally and internationally. 

Through this engagement, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang demonstrated its role as a university that focuses not only on academics but also on making a significant contribution to building a national halal ecosystem. The coordination meeting concluded with a joint commitment to strengthen synergy, expedite the halal certification process, and ensure that all SPPGs in East Java meet halal and thayyib standards in accordance with applicable regulations.