Review MBG in Wamena, Gibran Says Papua Children's Nutrition Must Be Covered

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reviewed the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program at SMAN 1 Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Mountains, Wednesday (14/1/2026). (Sek Wapres)

WAMENA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka directly reviewed the implementation of the free nutritious meal (MBG) program at SMA Negeri 1 Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Mountains, Wednesday, January 14.

The Vice President had a direct dialogue with the school principal, teachers, and MBG beneficiary students. He emphasized that good nutrition is an important foundation for children to learn optimally, grow healthy, and later become the next generation who are able to build their region.

Gibran directly reviewed the menu served to the students, namely rendang, fried tofu, carrot and cabbage oseng, as well as melon as a complement to balanced nutrition.

The head of SMA Negeri 1 Wamena, Yosep Suryo Wibisono, said that the MBG program had been implemented since the beginning of the inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto, in general, received a positive response from students.

"Since it was announced by the President, we have immediately implemented this program. In general, children are very enthusiastic. If MBG is late, they will definitely ask and wait," said Yosep.

He added that although there were still small dynamics such as differences in perceptions of food portions, so far there have been no serious complaints from students.

"The complaints in principle are not there. Some say the portion is enough, some say it's a little, but in general it's good and the children like it," he said.

Yosep also said that a small number of students had not followed MBG due to parental concerns. According to him, this is a common challenge to continue to build public confidence.

"It is our common task to convince parents that this program is safe and beneficial for children," he said.

The MBG program in Papua Mountains was officially launched on March 17, 2025 in Jayawijaya Regency and reached approximately 3,500 students from approximately 20 schools in Wamena District.

The program, which is coordinated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), sets the value of one portion of MBG in the Papua Mountains at around Rp. 35,000, with the support of five nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) operating in the region.