The Minister of Transmigration, M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the MBG, particularly through strengthening the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in Papua.
“We, the Patriot Expedition team, are committed to assisting, as directed by the President. More than 2,500 SPPGs will be built in Papua,” said Iftitah.
He emphasized that government support is not limited to facility construction, but also includes strengthening the entire supporting ecosystem, from food supply to the supply chain in transmigration areas.
“For the MBG, because this is a major government program, we will provide adequate support across the entire SPPG ecosystem,” he said.
According to Iftitah, this step is based on research and mapping of economic potential in 154 transmigration areas through 2025, which will serve as the foundation for economic development and strengthening food security in Papua.
Similarly, the Chair of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Development in Papua’s Special Autonomy, Velix Vernando Wanggai, called the development of SPPG a national priority that requires strong cross-sector collaboration.
“This is a joint commitment between the Papua Executive Committee and the Ministry of Transmigration,” said Velix.
He added that the Ministry of Transmigration plays a strategic role in preparing production areas capable of supporting SPPG needs by strengthening the local supply chain.
“This assistance aims to bring offtakers closer to the local market, including for SPPG needs,” he said.
Velix also emphasized the importance of university involvement in ensuring the availability of food commodities such as animal protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, while also strengthening innovation in the production sector.
Meanwhile, Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Presidential Executive Committee for Papua’s Special Autonomy, reminded that food supply chain challenges in Papua need to be addressed comprehensively to avoid disrupting the success of the MBG program.
“Papua faces structural challenges in the food supply chain. When supplies of fish, chicken, eggs, and meat are limited, the impact is immediately felt, not only on prices but also on national strategic programs like the Free Nutritious Meals,” he said.
To that end, he is encouraging the strengthening of community-based local production, the development of logistics infrastructure such as cold storage, and distribution interventions to ensure stable supplies.
Meanwhile, the implementation of the MBG program in Southwest Papua has shown significant progress. To date, more than 74,000 beneficiaries have benefited, predominantly students and vulnerable groups.
The Head of the Southwest Papua MBG Task Force, Ahmad Nausrau, emphasized that this program not only focuses on nutritional fulfillment but is also a crucial instrument in reducing poverty and stunting.
“This is a national priority program, so all parties must be actively involved so that its benefits truly benefit the community,” he said.
With stronger cross-stakeholder synergy, the government is optimistic that the food ecosystem in Papua will become more resilient, enabling the MBG implementation to run optimally while simultaneously encouraging sustainable local economic growth.