By Yoseph Ishak Wonda, Papua Public Health Journalist
Handling stunting in Papua has entered a new era with the emergence of a large-scale movement involving the government, the business sector, community leaders, and local communities. All development efforts are directed toward creating a healthy, strong, well-nourished generation in Papua, capable of competing in the future. This approach reflects optimism that Papua can not only reduce stunting rates but also produce superior human resources as a pillar of regional progress.
The Papua Provincial Government has shown concrete steps through the launch of the Foster Parents Movement to Prevent Stunting (Genting). This program is not just part of the governor and vice governor’s 100-day work plan but is designed as a long-term social movement. Deputy Governor Aryoko Rumaropen stated that Genting represents the collective commitment of all regional government organizations to nurture Papuan children so they grow healthy and receive proper nutritional guidance. He emphasized that the program has been incorporated into the transitional RPJMD and will continue to align with Papua’s development direction toward 2030. The local government believes that the success of stunting reduction heavily depends on the concern and involvement of all community elements.
This initiative brings new optimism. For the first time, stunting management is carried out collectively and systematically across sectors, ranging from health, education, and food security to community empowerment. The government aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation within one year of implementation to refine policies based on field needs. Through the foster parent program, the government seeks to ensure that every Papuan child has a mentor who pays attention to their growth and developmental needs. This spirit reflects the positive message that Papua is a land that cares about the future of its children.
Papua’s strength does not only come from the government but also from business sector support. PT Freeport Indonesia, in collaboration with Nabire Regency, launched the PASTI-Papua Program to accelerate stunting reduction. The company stated that this cooperation is a concrete form of support for sustainable development in Papua. Nabire Regency appreciates that businesses act as strategic partners, not merely donors, but as part of efforts to improve community life quality. The program operates in seven villages and urban neighborhoods, focusing on strengthening child nutrition status and family resilience.
PTFI works together with Wahana Visi Indonesia using a community empowerment approach. The program not only provides nutritional interventions but also educates families, strengthens healthcare workers, and ensures effective health services. The National Director of Wahana Visi Indonesia emphasized that the program is implemented with local context in mind, making the community the subject of development, not just beneficiaries. This sends a positive message that Papuan communities can stand strong, independent, and empowered.
At the national level, the government pays special attention to Papua through the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. The program demonstrates the government’s seriousness in preparing for the 2045 “Golden Generation.” MBG serves as a strategic solution, providing healthy meals for school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers across Papua. The government recognizes that a strong generation must have access to nutritious food from an early age. Thousands of nutrition service kitchens have been operating, involving local communities as workers and food suppliers.
The program not only provides food but also stimulates Papua’s economy. By utilizing local food sources such as fish, sweet potatoes, moringa, corn, and regional vegetables, farmers and fishermen gain economic benefits. The Governor of Central Papua stated that the free nutritious meal program delivers multiple advantages: improving health, stimulating the economy, and strengthening local food security. This demonstrates Papua’s potential to produce high-quality food.
Positive impacts are already visible in various areas. Jayapura City recorded a significant decrease in stunting rates within one year. Mimika and Jayapura regencies continue to show increased community participation in nutritious eating practices. Local governments across Papua consider that the national program helps accelerate human resource development. The National Nutrition Agency also notes that each kitchen can employ dozens of workers and local suppliers, creating economic opportunities for residents.
Papua’s development narrative today is one of optimism. The region has abundant natural resources, fertile land, protein-rich seas, and communities willing to move forward together. All elements understand that stunting is not just a matter of height but the future of the next generation. Therefore, every action is taken with the utmost respect: mutual cooperation, care, and tangible work. Local and central governments, customary leaders, communities, businesses, and social organizations combine their strength into a unified movement.
Papua now stands with confidence that every child has the right to grow healthy and smart. Stunting management policies are no longer just concepts but real actions on the ground. Nutrition kitchens operate daily, foster parent programs are running, government-business collaborations are growing, and community education continues. With hard work and collective spirit, Papua will produce a superior generation that will proudly lead the land in the future.
This is a moment of major change. Papua is proving that when all parties unite, no challenge is too great. Stunting can be reduced, public health improves, local economies move forward, and the future of Papuan children shines brighter. The journey is not yet complete, but the first steps are already strong, and Papua will continue to move forward.
The author is a Papua Public Health Journalist
