Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) conducted a training program on food handling and the Halal Product Assurance System for 27 kitchen managers of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) under UMSU’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
The training, officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP and represented by Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd, was held over two days, Tuesday–Wednesday (28–29), at the UMSU FISIP Hall on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
This activity is part of Muhammadiyah and UMSU’s contribution in supporting President Prabowo’s flagship Asta Cita program, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative.
In his remarks, Vice Rector II emphasized that this training reflects the university’s concrete commitment to community development and support for government programs.
“This program must succeed through our collective effort. The ultimate goal is to build a healthy and competitive Golden Indonesia 2045 generation. UMSU does not prioritize profit from the establishment of the SPPG kitchen,” he stated.
He added that the SPPG kitchen built at UMSU’s Campus IV in Desa Sampali, Saintes, Percut Sei Tuan, is expected to begin operating on 8 November 2025, managed by 47 SPPG personnel who passed the first phase of health screening.
“UMSU and Muhammadiyah will continue to work together to ensure the success of the MBG program. Moving forward, we plan to expand the number of kitchens so more communities can benefit,” he said.
Previously, Muhammadiyah—recognized as the first organization to collaborate with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN)—had inaugurated 105 MBG kitchens in the second phase. In the third phase, the construction of the MBG kitchen at UMSU has become one of the key targets in North Sumatra. The facility is being built using high-quality materials.
“We hope the UMSU MBG kitchen becomes the best in North Sumatra. Participants who have committed to this program must complete the training diligently,” Vice Rector II stressed.
Meanwhile, Veronika Margaret, Head of the Environmental Health Section of the Deliserdang Health Office, conveyed a message from the Head of the Health Office, expressing full support for the initiative.
“Warm greetings from the Head of the Health Office. All elements of society, including UMSU, are expected to work together to ensure the success of the MBG program. Currently, there are 42 active SPPG units in Deliserdang Regency. The main goal of this training is to prevent food poisoning,” said Veronika.
She also highlighted that hygiene is a crucial aspect in managing MBG kitchens.
“Through this Halal Assurance System training, we aim to ensure that every product produced by the MBG kitchen is safe, healthy, and hygienic, in accordance with national standards,” explained Desi.
Also in attendance were the Head of UMSU Halal Center Dr. Ir. Desi Ardilla, M.Si, the Head of UMSU Postgraduate Communication Science Program Dr. Muhammad Thariq, S.Sos., M.I.Kom, prospective SPPG head Jaka, and the training participants.
