By: Matius Yewen Kambu)*
Quality human development begins with the fulfillment of basic needs evenly. In Papua, one concrete effort to strengthen this foundation is present through the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This initiative brings new enthusiasm in responding to various challenges that have been looming over the eastern region of Indonesia, especially in the fields of health, nutrition and education. The implementation of the MBG program in Manokwari is a positive signal that efforts to equalize development are no longer just discourse, but have moved in the form of real, structured actions.
West Papua still faces chronic nutritional challenges that are being gradually addressed through various government interventions. In this context, MBG is not only present as a practical solution to hidden hunger, but also an important intervention in creating a generation that is physically and mentally stronger. The presence of nutritional kitchens in various regions is an important instrument in supplying nutritional needs evenly and with quality.
The MBG socialization held at the Sorong Student Dormitory, Amban District, Manokwari, became an important momentum in communicating this program openly to the public. On that occasion, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Obet Rumbruren, expressed his full commitment to overseeing the success of MBG in Papua. He emphasized that this program is part of the state’s responsibility to educate the nation’s life through good nutritional intake for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. In his view, a clear separation between the education and health budgets in the APBN and APBD is an important step so that the benefits of programs such as MBG can be felt directly and sustainably.
Regional legislative support also strengthens the program’s execution. Manokwari DPRK member, Trisep Kambuaya, emphasized the importance of expanding the scope of the MBG program to all districts, including remote areas that have not been reached. He said that although the current implementation is still limited to several schools, the enthusiasm of the community shows that this program is well received and deserves to be expanded. According to him, Amban District can play a strategic role as a distribution center for MBG considering its fairly central and accessible location.
From the technical implementation side, the Representative of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Muhammad Suhud, explained the various achievements and challenges faced in implementing this program in West Papua. He explained that the four that are already operating are the initial stage of a gradual development plan until the entire region is covered. Educational challenges are still being faced, so BGN continues to increase socialization regarding kitchen construction standards, including the minimum capacity that must be able to serve between 3,000 to 4,000 beneficiaries per unit.
Furthermore, Muhammad Suhud explained that BGN, although only formed on August 8, 2024, has shown significant progress nationally. Until the middle of this year, almost 1,700 nutrition kitchens have been operating throughout Indonesia, with a target of 82 million beneficiaries. Training for 32,000 heads of kitchens of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) is also being carried out so that they are ready to support kitchen operations professionally and standardized.
One of the advantages of the MBG program is the active involvement of the local community. Each kitchen employs up to 50 workers with a daily system that not only increases income, but also improves the skills and social responsibility of the community. The use of local food ingredients such as sea fish, cassava, highland vegetables, and sago makes this program not only nutritionally healthy, but also supports food security and the local economy. MBG also becomes a collaborative space between nutrition, education, economy, and local Papuan culture.
In his explanation, Muhammad Suhud also highlighted the importance of strict verification in the process of determining the location of the kitchen, in order to ensure food safety and the suitability of partners. BGN divides the kitchen model into three types, namely Independent Kitchen, BGN Partner Kitchen, and Kitchen built directly by BGN. All three must meet the same nutritional and sanitation service standards. Although there are still further challenges, the collaborative spirit between the center and regions maintains optimism for the success of this program.
The impact of MBG on the world of education is no less important. Adequate nutritional intake can improve children’s concentration, achievement, and learning participation. In a region like West Papua, where access to education and the economy are often obstacles, this program is a strong driver for the continuity of schooling for children from underprivileged families. This is a long-term investment whose benefits begin to be felt early and will continue to grow in the next two to three decades, as the younger generation of Papuans grow into superior individuals.
The presence of MBG in Papua also reflects how the government has begun to adopt a region-based and needs-based approach. This program is not a one-way project, but is built on the aspirations and socio-cultural characteristics of the local community. Support from the community, students, and local policy makers shows that when national programs have strong local roots, the results tend to be more sustainable.
)* The author is a student from Papua in Makassar
