MBG Present for a Healthier and More Resilient Papuan Generation

Merauke – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which is one of President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s priorities, is now starting to have an impact in various regions, including South Papua. In Merauke Regency, the implementation of the MBG program has not only improved the nutritional intake of school children, but also strengthened the presence of the state and fostered a spirit of nationalism among the Papuan people.

The Commander of Kodim 1707/Merauke, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Johny Novriyadi, who also supported the implementation of the MBG program, stated that collaboration between the TNI, local government, and the community is the key to the success of this program.

“The MBG program is not just about fulfilling nutrition, but also opening up employment opportunities and driving the local economy through public kitchens and food supplies from local farmers,” he explained.

According to Johny, the MBG kitchen in Merauke has currently served more than 3,000 students in seven schools. He considered Merauke Regency worthy of being a national model because the program execution went well and received a positive response from residents.

Special Staff of the Minister of Defense for the Sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, Lenis Kogoya, who is a Papuan figure, emphasized that MBG is a form of social justice for all Indonesian people, including the Papuan people who have felt left behind.

“The MBG program is not just about free food. This is the state’s way of saying: you are important, you are part of Indonesia,” said Lenis Kogoya while accompanying the monitoring team in Merauke.

According to him, the MBG program has opened up a space for dialogue between the state and grassroots communities. In several locations, the enthusiasm of students welcoming the MBG team is real evidence of the state’s attention being felt.

“I saw the children crying because they felt cared for. They said that this was the first time the state had come directly to bring healthy food to school,” said Lenis.

The MBG program in Papua is now developing into more than just a food service. The MBG program is now a symbol of the state’s presence that not only speaks in central policies, but also greets residents directly wherever they are. With a comprehensive approach and prioritizing local wisdom, MBG proves that Indonesia’s development should no longer leave the eastern tip as its backyard.