Strengthening the Quality of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme, BGN Conducts Food Handler Technical Training Simultaneously Across 8 Regions
Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) remains committed to ensuring that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) targets beneficiaries effectively whilst meeting the highest food safety standards.
As a concrete step, BGN has organised Technical Guidance (Bimtek) for Food Handlers and Acceleration of Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) Issuance simultaneously across eight strategic regions on 7–8 March 2026.
The activity was conducted under the coordination of eight Nutrition Fulfilment Programme Coordination Offices (KPPG), namely the KPPG in Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Sleman, Surabaya, and Jember.
With approximately 500 participants each day, the training targeted frontline personnel at Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), ranging from SPPG Heads, Partner Organisations and Foundations, Nutrition Supervisors, Field Assistants (Aslap), to Cooks.
Brigadier General (Retired) Suardi Samiran, Deputy for Distribution and Supply at the National Nutrition Agency, provided firm direction during a hybrid briefing regarding the essence of food quality. He stated that providing nutritious food is not merely a matter of selecting good raw materials.
“Food quality is not determined solely by the ingredients used, but also depends significantly on how it is processed, stored, and served. Food safety standards must be applied comprehensively in every operational stage in the SPPG kitchen,” said Brigadier General (Retired) Suardi on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
He added that the training programme was designed to ensure all field personnel possess adequate awareness, knowledge, and skills.
Accelerating the acquisition of Hygiene and Sanitation Certificates (SLHS) became a primary priority as a form of government accountability in providing safe and hygienic food to the community.
Appreciation came from various Regional KPPG Heads. They regarded the initiative from the Deputy for Distribution and Supply and the Regional II Distribution and Supply Directorate as a crucial step.
They viewed the activity as essential to ensure that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) is not only met in terms of quantity but also guaranteed in terms of food quality, safety, and hygiene.
In line with this, Regional II Distribution and Supply Director Dr. Nurjaeni explained that the training activity is not the end of the process, but rather the beginning of a continuous support mechanism.