The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued recommendations regarding the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, with focus on compliance with the halal standards set by the council.

MUI Chairman, KH M. Anwar Iskandar, expressed full support for the MBG program, describing it as a crucial step toward improving nutrition and the quality of life for future generations in Indonesia. He, however, warned against the use of products that do not meet halal standards.

“The production of food trays containing pork fat, accompanied by documents and video evidence, clearly violates the halal standards set by MUI,” Anwar said in a letter seen by Indonesia Business Post on September 11, 2025 .

“This situation demands a review and strict monitoring of every product used in the MBG program,” he added.

In its recommendations, MUI urges the National Food Agency (BGN) to ensure that all food products and items used in the MBG program comply with rigorous halal standards. MUI also emphasized the importance of enhanced supervision and coordination between ministries, agencies, and relevant bodies to ensure the success of the program.

Key points from MUI's recommendations:

1. Ensuring halal certification for all food products, consumer goods, and supply chains involved in the MBG program.

2. Promoting closer coordination between ministries, agencies, and businesses to prevent issues related to halal compliance in the MBG program.

3. Ensuring that products used in the MBG program are not only halal, but also thayyib (safe and of good quality), taking into account safety and quality aspects.

4. Implementing a mechanism to prevent and withdraw products that are found to be non-halal from circulation.

“If any product is found to be non-halal in the MBG program, we call for immediate action to withdraw it from the market and ensure that it is not used in the program,” Anwar said.

With these recommendations, MUI hopes to support the creation of a healthy, strong, and faith-aligned future generation for Indonesia, in accordance with halal standards and religious values.

Previously, House of Representatives (DPR) legislator Irma Suryani Chaniago criticized the reliance on imported trays, many of which come from China, arguing that local producers have the capability to supply the required products.

“Stop importing food trays from China. Domestic producers are still capable of meeting the standards needed by MBG. I’ve spoken to entrepreneurs who say their production is piling up because imports are prioritized. This destroys local industry and risks food safety, including trays that were even reported to contain pork-based materials,” Irma of the NasDem Party faction, said during a Commission IX hearing with BGN Chief Dadan Hindayana on Monday, September 8, 2025.

She urged BGN to stay focused on implementing the MBG program responsibly instead of expanding into areas outside its mandate.

“Don’t get involved in matters like cooperatives or other programs that are not your responsibility. Focus on ensuring MBG is accountable and safe, so children will not suffer from contaminated or substandard food,” she added.