JAYAPURA – The Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, attended a Coordination Meeting on the Socialization of the Development of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units via Zoom meeting. The meeting was chaired directly by the Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian.

On this occasion, the Minister of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of the active role of Regional Governments in supporting the acceleration of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which is a national strategic program. The Minister urged all regional heads to immediately establish task forces and coordinate intensively with the Person in Charge from the National Nutrition Agency to ensure the program runs optimally.

"Now, I ask fellow regional heads to immediately appoint or establish a task force for MBG and designate its leader," said the Minister virtually from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jakarta, Friday (July 18, 2025).

On this occasion, the Minister granted each region full authority to determine the head of the task force, directly delegating this authority to the respective regional heads.

"Feel free to appoint the Regional Secretary, or a specific official, the Head of Bappeda, or the Head of the Education Department – anyone is fine, as long as they are given the authority," the Minister stated.

Effective technical collaboration is needed between the National Nutrition Agency and the Regional Governments to accelerate the MBG program. Therefore, BGN has also provided contact persons from each province/regency/city to ensure smooth communication.

In addition to forming task forces, the Minister also requested that regional heads determine the locations for building MBG or SPPG kitchens in their respective areas. These locations must consider geographic conditions, accessibility, and the distribution of students.

The Minister noted that the implementation approach for the Free Nutritious Meal Program cannot be standardized nationwide, especially in archipelagic, mountainous, and other remote areas. Hence, direct input from regional governments is needed, as they understand local conditions best.

"This is because the ones who understand their regions the most are the regional heads themselves," the Minister said.

In addition to improving children's nutrition, the MBG program can also create job opportunities for local communities. The construction of MBG kitchens will require workers such as cooks, cleaners, and logistics personnel.

The program is also expected to boost the regional economy through a local food supply chain system.

"It can encourage economic growth at both the regional and national levels because the off-taker or buyer is clear, and the budget has already been prepared," he added.

The event was also attended virtually by the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana; Deputy State Secretary, Juri Ardiantoro; Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, Kasan; as well as regional heads from across Indonesia. ***