Jayapura – The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has encouraged all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) across Papua to prioritize locally produced agricultural commodities in procuring food supplies for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. The initiative is expected to strengthen the regional economy while expanding the involvement of local farmers in the program’s supply chain.
Arie Satria, a Junior Expert Government Affairs Supervisor at the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said in Jayapura on Monday that the provincial government needs to strengthen coordination with regency and municipal administrations to ensure that SPPGs source their food supplies from local farmers.
“On Thursday (November 5), we held a monitoring meeting to establish the Task Force for Accelerating the Implementation of the MBG Program in Papua Province. During the meeting, we emphasized the importance of coordination between the provincial government and regency and municipal administrations to ensure that SPPGs prioritize food supplies from local farmers,” he said.
Arie expressed hope that the Regional Secretary of Papua Province, who serves as Chair of the MBG Oversight Task Force, would actively visit regencies and municipalities to strengthen coordination and provide guidance to SPPG operators.
“Those who have so far sourced their food supplies from outside Papua must purchase directly from local farmers,” he stated.
He explained that involving local farmers in the MBG supply chain is essential to ensuring that the program’s benefits extend beyond children as its primary beneficiaries and also reach communities engaged in the agricultural sector.
“These food requirements should become an opportunity for the MBG program to generate agricultural production among local communities while also encouraging the circulation of money within the region,” he said.
Arie further noted that procuring food supplies from local farmers is expected to help stabilize market prices and control inflation in Papua. Increased economic activity could also contribute to strengthening the fiscal capacity of regional governments.
“Inter-agency coordination is necessary to address various technical issues identified during the implementation of the MBG program, ensuring that its implementation in Papua runs more effectively and delivers greater benefits to the community,” he said.
