Indonesian VP pushes MBG expansion in remote areas

Timika (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka pledged to continue pushing for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas, including Asmat District in South Papua.

"It is important to highlight that we are advocating the president's priority programs in 3T areas. MBG, for example, must reach people here in Asmat," he told reporters after visiting the Sago Field School in Asmat on Sunday.

Gibran said the program could potentially be implemented in cooperation with local churches and school canteens to expand its reach in the district.

The MBG program is one of President Prabowo Subianto's priority initiatives aimed at improving the quality of human resources through better nutrition.

"In short, we will continue pushing the president's programs in 3T areas and will follow up on them after returning from Asmat," he said.

During the visit, Gibran also brought along five university students from both public and private universities to allow them to directly observe conditions at the grassroots level, particularly in 3T regions.

At the same event, Asmat District Head Thomas E. Safanpo said the MBG program is highly needed in remote regions such as Asmat.

"As the leader of a 3T region, we feel that the MBG program is highly beneficial for our people, especially schoolchildren, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers," he said.

Thomas noted that school absenteeism had been relatively high before the program was introduced in several schools in Asmat.

However, attendance improved after the meals program was launched because students knew they would receive lunch at school.

He also expressed optimism that providing MBG meals to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers would help reduce stunting in the district.

Related news: Gibran checks MBG food quality, school facilities on NTT visit

Related news: Gibran vows to improve MBG governance

Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

Copyright © ANTARA 2026