Jayapura: The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), launched by the national government in Papua, has received widespread praise from local youth and traditional leaders. The program is seen as a strategic step to improve the nutritional quality of Papuan children, which will ultimately enhance the region’s human resource potential in the future.
Rando Rudamaga, a prominent Papuan youth leader, expressed his support for the program during an interview with RRI on Friday (7/3/2025). He emphasized that MBG is a crucial initiative as it helps children grow healthier, enabling them to perform better in their daily learning activities. “This program will have a positive impact on Papua’s golden generation in the future. Although it has not yet been fully implemented across all regions, we are confident it will soon reach every part of Papua,” said Rando.
Rando also called on the entire community to support the MBG program and avoid provocations that could hinder its implementation. “This program is a vital investment in shaping a healthier, stronger, and more competitive future generation,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Ondofolo Heram Dasim Klewbeuw of East Sentani, Yansen Ohee, highlighted that the MBG program is a solution to the long-standing nutritional challenges faced by Papuan children, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas. He pointed out that geographical factors, limited access to nutritious food, and economic disparities have been the main obstacles to improving children’s nutrition. “The MBG program is a new hope for parents in Papua to secure a better future for their children,” Yansen stated.
Yansen also addressed the opposition from certain groups who prioritize free education over the MBG program. He argued that such rejection is unfounded, as free education is already guaranteed by the government through Papua’s special autonomy funds. “We are grateful for the MBG program. How can we talk about education if our children are not healthy? This is a much-needed initiative,” he said.
As a traditional leader, Yansen firmly rejected attempts by certain groups to provoke unrest and disrupt community stability. “We must be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy today, including the freedom to study, eat, and worship. Do not let provocations undermine the positive efforts being made,” Yansen concluded.
The MBG program is expected to serve as a long-term solution to address child malnutrition in Papua while preparing a healthier and more competitive young generation for the future.
