Free Nutritious Meals Program Enhances Children's Nutrition in Papua
In Highland Papua, Indonesia, many children start their school day with little more than basic carbohydrates like cassava, sweet potatoes, and taro. Unfortunately, some days they leave home without any breakfast at all, leading to concerning eating patterns that affect their concentration in class. To address this issue, the Indonesian government launched the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in early 2025, aiming to provide balanced meals to children across the nation. This initiative, promoted by President Prabowo Subianto, is part of a broader vision to improve human resource quality through enhanced nutrition and to create economic opportunities as Indonesia strives for its Golden Indonesia 2045 goals.
Under the MBG program, the government takes on the responsibility of supplying children with nutritious meals that include not only carbohydrates but also essential proteins, vitamins, and fiber necessary for their growth. The program emphasizes the importance of local sourcing, empowering communities and businesses to provide safe and nutritious ingredients. Meals are designed to meet the dietary needs of children, incorporating rice, corn, tubers, or sago for carbohydrates, while animal proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, and beef are sourced from local farmers. Vegetables and fruits are included to ensure a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Deputy Governor Ones Pahabol of Highland Papua has been a strong advocate for the MBG program, viewing it as a vital step towards building a healthier future for children across the province's eight regions: Jayawijaya, Lanny Jaya, Tolikara, Nduga, Yahukimo, Mamberamo Tengah, Pegunungan Bintang, and Yalimo. He believes that improving nutrition at a young age is crucial for developing capable individuals who can contribute positively to the province's future. Pahabol stresses that the feeding initiative must be complemented by efforts to provide equitable access to quality education from kindergarten to higher education.
The MBG program has seen significant developments, particularly with the recent appointment of Sudaryono as head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Sudaryono has indicated a renewed focus on implementing the program in remote and disadvantaged areas, ensuring that regions like Papua receive the attention they need. As of August 2026, 13 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs) are operational in Highland Papua, serving between 3,500 and 7,000 beneficiaries each.
Expanding Nutritional Support Beyond Schoolchildren
The program not only targets schoolchildren but also extends to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, aiming to combat childhood stunting—a serious form of chronic malnutrition. This holistic approach is particularly critical in remote areas where access to nutritious food is limited. The House of Representatives (DPR) has also taken an active role in overseeing the MBG program, sending representatives to various regions to ensure that its objectives are met and to monitor implementation.
Assessing the Program's Impact in Highland Papua
During a recent visit to Highland Papua, DPR member Yan Permenas Mandenas observed the program's impact firsthand by touring schools and engaging with students and teachers. He confirmed that the local SPPGs adhere to food safety and quality standards, which is essential for maintaining the program's integrity. Velix Wanggai, chair of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, echoed Mandenas's sentiments, highlighting the program's significance for human resource development in the province.
The MBG initiative builds upon previous efforts in the region, such as the Sarasehans program in Tolikara, which has been providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren since 2013. This earlier program laid the groundwork for the MBG initiative, demonstrating the importance of consistent nutritional support for children. As the MBG program aims to reach 83 million people nationwide by the end of 2026, its success will depend on effective implementation across all regions, including the challenging terrain of Highland Papua.
