Papua- The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program in Papua has begun to show concrete impacts. Not only does it provide daily nutritional intake to students, this program also drives the local economy and strengthens social networks in eastern Indonesia.
In Yapen Islands Regency, 21 schools have benefited from healthy kitchens built through collaboration between local government, religious leaders, and the community. Schools are no longer just formal educational spaces, but also centers for students’ physical and social growth.
The Regent of Yapen Islands, Benyamin Arisoy, said that the benefits of this program were significant amidst geographical limitations.
“We see that children are more enthusiastic about going to school. The presence of a healthy kitchen has brought positive energy to the teaching and learning process,” said Benyamin Arisoy.
The MBG program in Yapen also continues to be developed. The local government has expanded its reach to new districts and is planning eight additional schools so that more students have regular access to nutritious food. The Kodim and the National Nutrition Agency also ensure that food quality standards and implementation effectiveness are maintained.
In Merauke Regency, the program has even become a national best practice. One kitchen in the area is able to serve seven schools and more than 3,000 students, operating consistently for 20 days every month.
Commander of Kodim 1707/Merauke, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Johny Novriyadi, said collaboration was the key to success.
“This program not only ensures that children eat nutritious food, but also empowers local farmers and MSMEs,” said Johny Novriyadi.
Most of the food ingredients used are sourced from the Merauke region itself. This encourages economic turnover at the grassroots level while maintaining the sustainability of food supplies.
In Jayapura Regency, community involvement in the implementation of MBG is also getting stronger. The PKK Team is present as a strategic partner in educating families and expanding the impact of the program to the household level.
Chair of the Jayapura Regency PKK Team, Dewi S. Wonda, sees great potential in integrating MBG with economic empowerment activities.
“This program is not just about nutrition. It touches the entire production chain, from farmers to school kitchens,” added Dewi S. Wonda.
With its cross-sector and community-based engagement model, MBG has become a real symbol of the state’s presence in Papua. This program not only feeds, but also opens up a healthier, smarter, and more empowered future for the nation’s next generation. [^]
