Checkpapuanow.com— Minister of Women and Children’s Empowerment Arifah Fauzi addressed the recent rejection of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program by students in Papua. She stated that the situation should not be judged hastily and that the underlying reasons must be thoroughly examined.
“We cannot make immediate judgments. Let’s first look into the reasons behind it. Perhaps they don’t fully understand the good intentions behind this initiative, which reflects the President’s vision,” Arifah said during a press briefing at the Sultan Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (February 5, 2025).
The MBG program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to improve the nutritional intake of the younger generation, beginning from prenatal care. “From our ministry’s perspective, providing free nutritious meals is essential for our children’s well-being,” Arifah added.
Despite her support for the program, Arifah refrained from giving a definitive assessment of the students’ rejection. She urged for a broader analysis of the issue. “We need to look at this from various perspectives. I am not ready to make a conclusion because we have to dig deeper into the matter,” she explained.
The controversy surrounding the MBG program has sparked nationwide discussions, particularly after social media platform X (formerly Twitter) featured videos of students in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, refusing to accept the meals. The viral posts claimed that the students prioritized access to quality education over free meals.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of continuous evaluation and refinement of the program. “This initiative is still under review and will continue to be improved to better serve the health of schoolchildren,” Mu’ti stated on Tuesday (February 4, 2025), during an event at the Sultan Hotel.
Mu’ti noted that various incidents occurring during the implementation of the MBG program would be carefully analyzed to ensure its effectiveness in the future. He underscored that the government is committed to addressing the challenges encountered during the program’s rollout.
The rejection of the MBG program in Yahukimo has drawn mixed reactions. While some view the initiative as a critical step in addressing malnutrition, others argue that education infrastructure and resources should take precedence in underdeveloped regions.
Students reportedly expressed concerns that the program, although well-intentioned, did not align with their immediate needs. The rejection has prompted discussions on the importance of tailoring national initiatives to the unique circumstances of remote and underserved areas.
In response, government officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting Papua’s development through holistic approaches that address both education and nutrition.
Arifah and Mu’ti’s remarks reflect the government’s recognition of the complexities surrounding the MBG program’s reception in Papua. Both ministries have expressed a shared resolve to listen to the concerns of local communities and adjust their strategies accordingly.
“We aim to ensure that the program benefits all children, regardless of where they live. However, it’s crucial to respect the voices of those who are directly affected,” Arifah concluded.
As evaluations continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing national objectives with regional realities. The MBG program’s future success will depend on its ability to address both nutritional and educational needs in Papua and beyond.
