This approach positions Indigenous Papuan women as the spearhead of nutrition kitchen operations. In addition to meeting the need for nutritious food, this step creates sustainable employment opportunities and strengthens community trust in the program.
Marsel Asyerem, the BGN Regional Coordinator for Nabire Regency, emphasized that the involvement of Papuan women is key to building public acceptance. “We appreciate the DP3AKB (Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Agency) for supporting this strategic MBG program, which will prepare Papuan women to be placed in the 3T (Underdeveloped and 3T) regions,” said Marsel.
This program not only accelerates the distribution of nutrition services but also represents a concrete effort to improve the welfare of local communities. The Papuan mothers involved earn a decent income while contributing to improving the nutritional quality of the younger generation.
Capacity building is carried out through structured training so that local workers are able to meet the operational standards of the nutrition kitchens. This process ensures that service quality is maintained while improving the community’s job skills.
Marsel Asyerem, Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Nabire Regency, assessed this step as a breakthrough with far-reaching impacts. “This is a new breakthrough and significantly faster than in other provinces, where the DP3AKB (Regional Disaster Management Agency) is also involved in training these Papuan mothers for their future employment at BGN,” explained Marsel.
The need for MBG kitchens in dozens of areas in the 3T (Underdeveloped and Remote Areas) presents a significant opportunity for local employment. The presence of Papuan mothers at each kitchen strengthens service distribution while creating a more inclusive economic ecosystem.
Ranto, Director of Provision and Distribution for Region III of BGN, emphasized the importance of a balance between empowerment and protection of workers. “We are committed to continuously improving and strengthening food safety governance and encouraging every worker involved in implementing the MBG program to receive protection,” Ranto asserted.
Cross-sector synergy strengthens program implementation, ensuring that local workers are optimally involved in every stage.
Jimmy, Head of the Jayapura Nutrition Fulfillment Service Office (KPPG), believes that local community involvement is a crucial factor in maintaining the program’s sustainability. “Going forward, we hope that all SPPGs in Papua can quickly complete their ongoing certifications to optimize the quality of MBG services,” said Jimmy.
Mentoring from the health sector also ensures a safe and productive work environment.
Ferry Maitindom, Head of the Occupational Health and Sports Section of the Papua Provincial Health Office, emphasized that supervision will continue to be strengthened. “Supervision is carried out from the construction stage to kitchen operations to ensure food safety,” Ferry concluded.
Empowering Papuan mothers is a crucial foundation for ensuring the success of MBG while also delivering tangible socio-economic impacts. (*)