Biak – The Customary Consultative Assembly (LMA) of Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, has highlighted the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program as an initiative aimed at meeting the nutritional needs of school children.
“LMA, as part of the representation of indigenous communities, fully supports President Prabowo’s Astacita policy, especially the MBG program for children in various educational institutions,” stated David Rumansara, Chairperson of the Biak Customary Consultative Assembly, on Friday in Biak.
He noted that the MBG pilot program, implemented by Military District Command (Kodim) 1708/BN at several schools, was warmly welcomed by the students, who were delighted to receive nutritious meals provided by the military.
David called on parents and indigenous Biak Numfor families to support the MBG program in schools without hesitation about the meals provided to their children. “Indigenous Papuan children attending school are served nutritious meals, helping them grow smarter, healthier, and free from stunting,” he said.
As a concrete expression of LMA Biak’s support for the MBG program, David emphasized that the institution continues to assist the government in educating the community on the importance of providing nutritious food for children.
According to him, one of the most apparent impacts of the program is the increased attendance rates among students who benefit from nutritious meals. “The free meal initiative has significantly boosted classroom attendance,” he remarked.
David added that the program’s benefits go beyond improving children’s intelligence, as it also helps prevent various illnesses.
In Biak Numfor Regency, the program targets approximately 43,000 students from various educational institutions to receive MBG benefits
