Wamena—The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has confirmed that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in the Papua Highlands is implemented five times a week, from Monday to Friday. The program, initiated by the Provincial Government of Papua Highlands and the Jayawijaya Regency Government, targets beneficiaries such as students, teachers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers.
Chairman of the National Nutrition Fulfillment Services Group (SPPG-BGN) for Papua Province, Wahyu Adi Pratama, stated that the program is already underway in Wamena District, Jayawijaya Regency. “We ensure that every beneficiary receives a balanced and nutritious meal, consisting of cake, milk, beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables, rice, and tubers,” he said on Sunday.
Currently, meals are prepared at a public kitchen located on Bhayangkara Street in Wamena. Of the two kitchens planned, only one is fully operational, with the second kitchen set to open after the Eid holiday. “One kitchen can prepare up to 3,500 portions of nutritious meals per day. If both kitchens are active, the capacity will increase to 7,000 portions daily,” Wahyu explained.
He added that the kitchens employ 47 cooks, including local youth and representatives from traditional and church communities. Additionally, three BGN staff members, including the head of SPPG-BGN, a nutritionist, and an accountant, oversee the operations.
The MBG Program not only aims to improve nutrition but also creates job opportunities for indigenous Papuans in the highlands. “We hope this program becomes a sincere contribution for the younger generation’s future,” Wahyu concluded.
