Government Strengthens Synergy to Ensure Successful Implementation of the Free Nutritional Meal Program in Papua
Papua — The government continues to strengthen cross-sector coordination to ensure the success of the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) program in Papua. This step is being taken to ensure balanced nutrition for priority groups and support efforts to reduce stunting rates in eastern Indonesia.
The Acting Regional Secretary of South Papua, Maddaremmeng, emphasized that his office is synchronizing the implementation of the MBG program with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). According to him, the direction from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) is an important guideline for the regional government in implementing this strategic program.
“Regarding the MBG, we have been instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to locate the kitchen. We must ensure we don’t fail to prepare the budget, because we must plan. We don’t want the BGN to fund it, and we will also fund it,” he said.
He added that the regional government needs clear guidance regarding the type of relationship and coordination that needs to be established between the provincial and district governments and BGN.
“Therefore, we need guidance on what relationships need to be established within the MBG program with local governments, both provincial and district,” he emphasized.
At the district level, accelerated steps are also being taken. The Head of Nutrition Services for Fakfak Regency, Sitanna Rida Pamila, revealed that the local government, along with relevant agencies, is prioritizing the construction of additional healthy kitchens in several locations. This is expected to expand the distribution of MBG to reach all target groups.
“We hope that the construction of healthy kitchens will begin soon in several locations in Fakfak. This way, the distribution of MBG can be expanded, and all students can benefit,” said Sitanna.
He is optimistic that with equitable implementation of MBG, Fakfak can become a stunting-free region in the future.
Support for this program has also come from parliament. Cellica Nurrachadiana, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), believes that the MBG program plays a vital role in shaping Indonesia’s golden generation by 2045. She believes that the program’s target audience, which includes early childhood, elementary school students through high school/vocational school students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers outside of PAUD, represents a long-term investment in the nation’s health.
“The hope is that by 2045, they will grow into children who are physically, mentally, and physically healthy. They will grow into strong, intelligent children, free from stunting, and intellectually gifted,” she said.
Cellica emphasized the importance of integration between the Free Health Check (CKG) program under the Ministry of Health and the MBG program managed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“The hope is that this is linear. In terms of health, the Free Health Check is under the Ministry of Health, but in terms of balanced nutrition, it is under the National Nutrition Agency (through Free Nutritious Meals),” she explained.
She further emphasized that the success of the MBG and CKG is not solely the responsibility of the central government. The involvement of local governments, the private sector, the education sector, and the community is key to the program’s successful implementation on the ground.
The government’s efforts to enhance synergy in the implementation of the MBG in Papua are expected to accelerate the creation of a healthy, intelligent, and stunting-free generation. With this shared commitment, Papua is expected to become not only a beneficiary but also a model for the successful implementation of the national nutrition program in the region.
