Papuan Community Supports the MBG and CKG Programs for a Healthy and Prosperous Generation
By: Yohanes Wandikbo
The central government continues to implement strategic programs that directly address community needs, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and Free Health Checks (CKG). These two programs symbolize the state’s commitment to strengthening the quality of human resources, particularly in Papua, by providing equitable access to nutrition and healthcare for all levels of society. Support for this policy comes from various groups, including indigenous communities, local governments, and local organizations, who have high hopes for the program’s success.
In South Sorong Regency, the Imekko indigenous community enthusiastically welcomed the MBG program. Four locations in this region were selected as implementation locations, aimed at ensuring children receive balanced nutrition so they grow up healthy, intelligent, and resilient. This step is crucial given the ongoing challenges in meeting nutritional needs in some remote areas of Papua. With the MBG, the nation’s next generation is expected to grow stronger and be prepared to face global challenges.
The Deputy Regent of South Sorong, Yohan Bodori, emphasized the government’s strong commitment to implementing programs that address the community’s basic needs. He made this statement during a meeting with residents in Sayolo Village, Teminabuan District. According to him, the presence of the MBG (National Child Health Program) is a response to the needs of Papuan children, which must be nurtured from an early age so they can become the golden generation. He emphasized that good nutrition will build a solid foundation for health and improve children’s intelligence.
In addition to the MBG, the government also offers a Free Health Check program, which is highly relevant to the community’s needs. This service is designed to help detect diseases early, provide appropriate treatment, and raise public awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. In areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, this service is a concrete solution to reduce the number of diseases that can be prevented through routine check-ups.
The Head of Public Health and Head of Health Promotion and Community Empowerment, Yuliana Wugaje, emphasized the importance of the community’s role in ensuring the success of government programs. She encouraged pregnant women, in particular, to utilize available healthcare services. She stated that the first 1,000 days of life are a golden period that significantly determines the quality of a child’s growth and development. With adequate nutritional support, health care, and regular checkups, the next generation of Papuans will be born healthier, stronger, and more intelligent. Yuliana also emphasized that the MBG program has real benefits in preventing stunting, increasing immunity, and supporting the brain development of children in Papua.
Statements of support also came from indigenous community organizations in Sorong. The Head of the Binasket Tribe of Sorong Regency, Moses Kaliele, emphasized that indigenous communities play a strategic role in supporting regional development. He stated that the success of the MBG and CKG programs is not solely the government’s responsibility but also requires the active involvement of all elements of society. He encouraged all members of the Tehit Tribe to unite, maintain unity, and actively contribute to the success of the program. Moses also emphasized the importance of maintaining security and order as a primary requirement for sustainable development.
From a social perspective, the support provided by indigenous communities for government programs reflects a collective awareness that development cannot proceed without collective participation. The MBG and CKG programs serve as a gateway to strengthening public trust in the government and strengthening bonds of brotherhood among residents. By maintaining security stability, all development programs in Papua can be implemented smoothly and without hindrance.
The government’s efforts to introduce nutrition and health programs in Papua are also a strategic step to bridge the development gap between regions. Papua has often been viewed as facing significant challenges in public services, both in education and health. The presence of the MBG and CKG demonstrates that the government is not only focused on physical infrastructure development but is also serious about developing the quality of Papua’s human resources. This aligns with the broader vision of “Golden Indonesia 2045,” which places human resources as the nation’s most valuable asset.
