Kasuari Kodam Says MBG Program Has Targeted 24 Thousand Students

Commander of Kodam XVIII/Kasuari Major General TNI Jimmy Ramoz Manalu when met by media crews in Manokwari, West Papua. BETWEEN

MANOKWARI - Military Regional Command (Kodam) XVIII/Kasuari said the implementation of the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) has targeted approximately 24 students in West Papua and Southwest Papua Provinces.

Commander of Kodam XVIII/Kasuari Maj. Gen. Jimmy Ramoz Manalu in Manokwari, Saturday, said that over time the number of students receiving the MBG Program from early childhood to high school/vocational school levels will continue to increase.

"There are approximately 24 thousand students who have received the MBG Program spread across two provinces of the work area of the Kasuari Kodam," said Jimmy.

According to him, the trial of the MBG Program in West Papua and Southwest Papua began gradually on January 6, 2025, and the program aims to increase the nutritional intake of the younger generation.

The ranks of the Regional Military Command in the XVIII/Kasuari Kodam area have facilitated the construction and increase the number of healthy kitchens of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).

"For example, in Manokwari, two kitchens are healthy, and other areas are built independently," explained Jimmy.

He said that the expansion of the scope of the target area for the implementation of the MBG Program needed support from each local government, community leaders, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.

Regencies/cities that have implemented the MBG Program include Manokwari, Bintuni Bay, Wondama Bay, Kaimana, Sorong City, Sorong Regency, Raja Ampat, South Sorong, and others.

"Everything is going well, hopefully the coverage of the region will continue to be expanded and the number of MBG beneficiaries will continue to grow," said Jimmy.

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Obeth Rumbruren, assessed that the MBG Program had a positive impact on efforts to form a younger generation of Papua who were healthier, more competitive, and of higher quality.

The program is relevant to Indonesia's 2045 vision which targets the creation of a golden generation or generation capable of bringing Indonesia into a developed country.

"Therefore, all schools including in villages, hinters and coasts in West Papua can eat this nutritious," said Obeth.