Wamena – The Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Executive Committee (KEPP) has encouraged the implementation of a contextual Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in Highland Papua and across the Papua region. The initiative is considered important to ensure the national program aligns with local cultural values and the dietary habits of indigenous Papuan communities.
Chairman of the Papua Executive Committee, Velix V Wanggai, stated in Wamena on Tuesday that the concept of “Papuan-style MBG” should be implemented so that the meals provided can be well accepted and properly consumed by children in Papua, particularly in Highland Papua.
According to him, the presence of the Papua Executive Committee aims to ensure that national priority programs, including MBG, are implemented effectively and reach remote areas in Papua’s highlands. He emphasized that the program is not only focused on improving children’s nutrition but is also expected to stimulate local economic growth.
“The MBG program is not only about fulfilling children’s nutritional needs, but also about creating economic opportunities for local communities, including farmers, livestock breeders, and small businesses involved in the food supply chain,” Velix said.
Data from the Papua Executive Committee shows that the number of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens currently operating in Papua includes 14 kitchens in Highland Papua, 43 in West Papua, 179 in Papua Province, 16 in South Papua, 28 in Central Papua, and 38 in Southwest Papua.
Meanwhile, the target for the establishment of MBG kitchens across the six provinces in Papua has reached 2,472 units. The large target reflects the significant number of children expected to benefit from the program throughout the region.
Therefore, the Papua Executive Committee emphasized the need for strong coordination and special strategies to accelerate the development of MBG kitchens, particularly in Highland Papua, which faces geographical and logistical challenges different from other regions in Indonesia.
Velix further explained that the acceleration process must include special regulations and approaches tailored to Papua’s unique conditions, including management systems, partnership schemes, pricing adjustments, and operational strategies.
“Papua has its own unique characteristics, therefore the implementation of the MBG program must also be adapted to local conditions. Through this contextual Papuan MBG concept, we hope the program will provide real and sustainable benefits for the community,” he said.
