Papua Provincial Government and UNICEF Strengthen School Health Program to Promote Nutrition Education

Jayapura — The Papua Provincial Government, in collaboration with UNICEF Indonesia, is strengthening the School Health Program (UKS) to enhance nutrition education and promote healthy lifestyles among students across the region. The initiative also supports the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) currently being rolled out in several districts of Papua.

A capacity-building workshop for school health teams was held in Jayapura on Friday (October 24, 2025). The event was officially opened by Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko Rumaropen, who underscored the important role of schools in shaping children’s health habits and overall well-being.

“Schools are not only places to gain academic knowledge but also spaces where our children learn to build healthy habits for their future,” said Rumaropen during his remarks.

He emphasized that intersectoral collaboration between the education sector, the health department, and local communities is essential to develop a healthy and competitive young generation in Papua.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Indonesia Nutrition Specialist Airin Roshita highlighted that providing nutritious meals in schools has been proven to improve students’ attendance and academic performance, especially among children from food-insecure households. She added that strengthening teachers’ and parents’ understanding of balanced nutrition is key to achieving sustainable impact.

During the training, participants learned about managing school kitchens, ensuring timely food distribution, and maintaining hygiene standards in school environments. The program is expected to serve as a model for other provinces in promoting school-based nutrition initiatives.

Despite ongoing challenges such as limited infrastructure and long food supply distances, the Papua Provincial Government remains committed to improving coordination among local agencies to ensure smooth implementation.

Through its partnership with UNICEF, the government aims not only to improve students’ nutritional status but also to instill lifelong habits of clean and healthy living. The initiative reflects Papua’s broader vision of building a “New Papua” — a province that is healthier, more educated, and more prosperous.