JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program as a national priority program. The program is expected to become part of Papua's human resource development agenda, in line with the central government's policy direction.

Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko Rumaropen conveyed this support after opening the Coordination Meeting of Free Nutritious Meals Program in Jayapura on Thursday (22/1/2026). He stressed that the Free Nutritious Meals Program is a national program that must be fully supported and implemented by all regional governments in Indonesia, including Papua.

"This is a national program that must be implemented and fully supported by every government in the Republic of Indonesia, including us, the Papua Provincial Government," Aryoko said.

According to him, the Papua Provincial Government's support is being carried out by aligning the Free Nutritious Meals Program with regional government agencies. One of the technical steps being prepared is the involvement of the Food Agency as a local implementing body.

Aryoko also stated that implementation is being coordinated with the National Food Agency and the National Nutrition Agency, which are based in Papua Province. In addition, the Papua Provincial Government is encouraging cross-sector collaboration by involving the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, the prosecutor's office, and various other vertical institutions.

Support is also being reinforced through partnerships with a range of institutions, including UNICEF, which has long been active in Papua. The government considers such collaboration necessary to ensure that the Free Nutritious Meals Program is implemented widely, from the provincial level down to districts and municipalities.

The Deputy Governor added that the Governor of Papua has instructed district and municipal governments to help ensure the Free Nutritious Meals Program is carried out effectively. The program is seen as being in line with the national vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 as well as the Papua Provincial Government's 2025–2029 vision and mission.

On the same occasion, Aryoko also called on all segments of society to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program, including parents, school administrators, and healthcare workers down to the community health center level. ***