Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to extend central government programs, including a free nutritious meal initiative, to all regions of Papua. The announcement came during a briefing with six governors and 42 regents from across Papua on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Expanding Nutritional Support
The free nutritious meal program (MBG) is intended to serve all children under 18, as well as pregnant people. Prabowo stated that the program would be “enormous” in scope, and emphasized that no region within Papua would be excluded from receiving these benefits.
According to Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency, the agency aims to establish 2,500 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) throughout Papua. Currently, 179 public kitchens are already operational, distributed as follows: 65 in Papua Province, 42 in West Papua, 8 in South Papua, 30 in Central Papua, 5 in the Papua Highlands, and 28 in Southwest Papua.
Investment and Timelines
Dadan Hindayana indicated that approximately 275 investors have already expressed interest in establishing public kitchens, with a projected total of 300 investors building SPPGs. While an initial target of March was mentioned for full operational capacity, Prabowo acknowledged logistical challenges and extended the deadline to August 17, 2026, for the complete establishment of all free nutritious meal kitchens in Papua.
This initiative follows a recent push by Prabowo for increased oil palm cultivation in Papua, intended to boost alternative fuel production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What population groups will benefit from the free nutritious meal program?
The program is designed to benefit all children under 18, as well as pregnant people, across all regions of Papua.
How many Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) are planned for Papua?
The National Nutrition Agency is targeting a total of 2,500 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) across Papua.
What is the current status of public kitchens in Papua?
Currently, 179 public kitchens are operating in Papua, with varying numbers in each province and region, ranging from 5 in the Papua Highlands to 65 in Papua Province.
How might the logistical challenges in Papua impact the successful implementation of this ambitious nutritional program?
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