Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Head of the Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that the budget for the free nutritious meals (MBG) in Papua is three times higher than the budget for MBG in Java.

Dadan reported this to President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting with regional heads in Papua at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

At that time, President Prabowo Subianto mentioned that the central government's program would extend to Papua, especially in providing free nutritious meals in schools. Prabowo inquired about the development of the Nutritious Free School Meals Services (SPPG) in Papua.

"With a total of approximately 750,000 beneficiaries and funds that will be allocated there three times higher than those in Java," Dadan said at the State Palace.

Dadan mentioned that the budget allocation for 750,000 beneficiaries in Java amounted to Rp7.5 trillion. This means that the nutritious free school meals program in Papua with the same number of beneficiaries will receive a budget allocation of Rp25 trillion. This figure adjusts to the higher cost index in Papua.

Dadan also explained that the National Nutrition Agency aims for a total of 2,500 SPPG throughout Papua. "With a total of approximately 750,000 beneficiaries," Dadan said.

He stated that there are currently 179 established SPPGs, with 65 SPPGs in Papua Province, 42 in West Papua, 8 in South Papua, 30 in Central Papua, 5 in Papua Highlands, and 28 in Southwest Papua. "Insha Allah (God willing), Sir, by March, or everything will be completed (2,500 SPPGs)," he said.

Dadan claimed that there are already 275 investors interested in building SPPGs and registering with the regional government. He mentioned that there will be a total of 300 investors who will build SPPGs in Papua.

However, President Prabowo understood the difficult working conditions in Papua. Thus, he aimed for a target of 2,500 SPPGs to be established in Papua no later than August 17, 2025.

"As the head of the NNA, your plan for March is very good, but we hope that by August 17, all SPPGs in Papua must be operational and productive," Prabowo said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2074075/papua-gets-triple-budget-for-free-nutritious-meal-progra