JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has revealed that Jayapura City needs 20 nutrition kitchens to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. However, only one kitchen is currently active and serving students.

Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, stated that around 60,000 students in Jayapura are eligible for the MBG program, while one kitchen can only serve between 3,000 and 3,500 students.

"This means we need at least 20 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) to ensure the program is implemented evenly," he said.

According to Ramses, each kitchen has a food distribution reach of up to six kilometres. Therefore, the kitchens must be strategically located across the city.

"So far, only one kitchen in Jayapura City is operational. This is not enough to meet the needs of all students," he added.

He explained that the availability of kitchens depends on the readiness of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which is the main executor of the MBG program.

"BGN is responsible for building the kitchens and providing cooking staff that meet the required nutritional standards," he said.  ***