JAYAPURA – The designation of Cenderawasih University (Uncen) as a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE) for the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) program in Papua brings fresh momentum for advancing human development in eastern Indonesia. This government decision marks a shift towards using local knowledge, research, and cross-sector collaboration as core strategies to expand the reach and effectiveness of the MBG program in Papua.
Acting Expert Staff to the Governor of Papua for Community and Cultural Development, Matias Mano, considers this step highly appropriate and strategic.
“Appointing Uncen as the center of excellence for the MBG program is a strategic momentum to encourage more massive local involvement,” said Matias.
He further emphasized that MBG is not merely about distributing food but represents a long-term social investment for the future of Papua’s next generation. His office is ready to support this effort, including strengthening human resource capacities on the ground and expanding collaborative networks at district and village levels.
“MBG is not just about food – it’s about the future of Papua’s children,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Petrus Thokiman, Advisor to the Kencana Papua Nusantara Foundation, noted that while the distribution of MBG has been running well, there are still opportunities to extend its coverage to remote areas, including hilly regions and isolated coastal areas.
“Establishing satellite kitchens in areas like Fakfak is a crucial next step for the government to ensure MBG is distributed more evenly and reaches all children in Papua,” said Petrus.
He also believes that empowering local communities should be an integral part of the system. Local food sources from villagers, such as sago, sweet potatoes, taro, and vegetables, need to be integrated into the daily menu.
“Local foods like sago, taro, and vegetables have started to be included in MBG menus, but this needs to be expanded further to reflect cultural identity and strengthen local economies,” Petrus concluded.
As a center of excellence, Uncen can play a strategic role in designing training modules, conducting locally-based intervention research, and developing precise monitoring systems. With support from development partners such as Australia, China, and Japan, Papua has the potential to build a resilient and sustainable food system.
This initiative is not merely a short-term policy but a critical foundation for achieving inclusive nutrition equity. The future of Papua must begin with meeting the nutritional needs of its children. When their plates are full of nutritious food, their futures will be full of hope.
