Surabaya City Government Strengthens Hygiene Standards for Free Nutritious Meals Programme

The Surabaya city government is continuing to strengthen hygiene standards for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure it operates safely, in an orderly manner, and reaches its intended beneficiaries.

The head of Surabaya’s MBG Implementation Task Force, who also serves as the city’s Regional Secretary, Lilik Arijanto, said on Friday that the task force is conducting monitoring and evaluation as a crucial step in maintaining the sustainability of a programme whose benefits have been widely felt by the community.

“The MBG programme in Surabaya currently reaches 207,355 beneficiaries. Therefore, we are ensuring its implementation meets standards, particularly regarding food safety and hygiene sanitation. Coordination with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is part of our efforts to strengthen oversight and pursue continuous improvement,” he said on the sidelines of a monitoring and evaluation coordination session with the BGN’s Surabaya Regional Coordinator.

He said the activity forms part of efforts to strengthen programme governance whilst ensuring all Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs) in Surabaya comply with operational standards and hygiene sanitation requirements.

“Based on updated data as of 18 February 2026, there are 87 SPPGs recorded in Surabaya. Of these, 67 SPPGs are operational and serving the public, whilst the remainder are undergoing preparation or administrative and technical adjustments,” he said.

Overall, he noted, 36 SPPGs have obtained Hygiene Sanitation Compliance Certificates (SLHS). The remaining SPPGs are being encouraged to complete the certification process as part of a commitment to maintaining quality, food safety, and the standard of nutrition services provided to the public.

As a follow-up measure, the Surabaya city government has issued advisory letters to foundations and SPPG management partners that have not yet obtained SLHS, urging them to process the certification promptly. This step is expected to accelerate the fulfilment of administrative requirements whilst improving the quality of nutrition services across all service points.

“Cross-sector synergy will continue to be strengthened, not only in licensing aspects but also regarding workforce readiness, food safety, and the mapping of target beneficiaries,” he said.