Papua Provincial Government Ensures Food Availability to Support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program

Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government (Pemprov Papua) has ensured that food supplies are sufficient to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in schools across Bumi Cenderawasih.

Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, stated in Jayapura on Tuesday that Papua is rich in natural resources and vegetables. Therefore, the kitchens of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) do not need to worry about food supply.

“Food sources such as fish, chicken, meat, eggs, and vegetables in Papua are more than enough to meet the needs of the MBG program,” he said.

According to Ramses, before the MBG program, the community was already consuming these food ingredients. However, the distribution will now be more concentrated in the MBG communal kitchens.

“So, there is no actual change. The only difference is that the food supply will now be centralized in MBG kitchens, making it seem like there is a greater demand, when in reality, these food items were already part of people’s daily consumption,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a continuous supply since the MBG program runs throughout the year.

“This is something that needs to be managed collectively by the SPPG, local governments, and other relevant agencies to ensure its sustainability,” he added.

He further mentioned that the MBG program will be implemented gradually after the Eid holiday, starting in Jayapura City, Keerom Regency, and Jayapura Regency.

“However, the implementation will depend on the readiness of SPPG partner kitchens and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). For instance, in Jayapura City alone, with 62,000 students, around 20 communal kitchens will be needed,” he explained.