DPR Member Reminds That SPPG Certification Must Guarantee Quality and Safety
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission IX, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa, has reminded that certification for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) must truly guarantee food quality and safety for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
Neng Eem, in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday, cautioned that the certification granted to SPPG, as the kitchens for MBG, should not become mere administrative formalities.
“This MBG programme concerns the future of our generation. Do not let certification be just a formality. The most important thing is that the food served is truly safe, healthy, and fit for consumption,” said the DPR member in the health sector.
The statement was made by Neng Eem following the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) imposing sanctions on 1,251 SPPG that violated standard operating procedures (SOP) during January to March 2026.
In addition, BGN has formed a special unit tasked with monitoring the implementation of certification across all SPPG to improve the quality of operations and kitchen services.
According to her, the effectiveness of certification heavily depends on the enforcement of rules in the field. Without strict supervision, the certificates held by SPPG could potentially serve only as administrative accessories without guaranteeing service quality.
“If serious violations are found, temporary closure is not enough. There must be firm actions up to the revocation of operational permits. This is important to provide a deterrent effect and maintain the dignity of this national programme,” she stated.
She assessed that BGN’s step in sanctioning thousands of SPPG is a good start in enforcing discipline. However, in the future, the accreditation system is expected not only to be reactive but also capable of preventing violations from the outset.
In addition, Neng Eem emphasised that strengthening the supervision system is also crucial so that the large budget allocated by the state for the programme truly yields maximum benefits.
Thus, the MBG programme is hoped to run optimally without posing risks to the public.
“In the future, we hope there will be no more cases of poisoning or spoiled food. This certification must be an absolute guarantee that the MBG programme is safe and of high quality,” Neng Eem concluded.
Previously, 1,251 SPPG were sanctioned for being deemed to violate SOP. Of that number, 1,030 SPPG were temporarily halted, 210 received first-stage warning letters (SP-1), and 11 others were at the SP-2 stage.
The sanctions were imposed after serious violations were found, ranging from infrastructure not meeting standards, lack of wastewater treatment installations (IPAL), to the absence of hygiene and sanitation fitness certificates (SLHS).
“We will not tolerate any form of standard violations. This programme concerns public health, so quality must be the top priority,” said BGN Head Dadan Hindayana in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday (20/3).
Dadan further committed to improving SPPG standards in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions, which called for continuous enhancement of the MBG programme’s quality.
“The President’s special message during Eid al-Fitr for BGN to improve the quality of SPPG operations and services. Inadequate SPPG should be temporarily closed and immediate improvements and quality enhancements carried out,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3).
As a follow-up to that message, BGN immediately formed a special unit tasked with monitoring certification implementation across all SPPG.
In the initial stage, the supervision focus covers three main certifications: SLHS, halal certificates, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, which form the foundation for ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and quality served.
“After these three certifications are fulfilled, it will escalate to certifications related to SPPG human resources quality, including chefs, food handlers, and environmental analysis,” Dadan stated.