Papua launches dashboard to strengthen free meal program

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) – The Papua Provincial Government, in partnership with UNICEF and backed by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), launched a monitoring dashboard on Wednesday to improve oversight of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

Yohanes Walilo, assistant for government and public welfare at the Papua Regional Secretariat, said the dashboard will support faster, more accurate and data-driven decision-making in implementing the nationwide program.

“The MBG program is a national strategic initiative that not only improves children’s nutrition but also invests in a healthier, more resilient and competitive future generation,” Walilo said.

He said Papua’s mountainous, coastal, island and remote regions require adaptive and collaborative approaches to meal distribution.

Walilo said the program’s success depends on coordination among all stakeholders.

“The program covers nutrition, food safety, hygiene, sanitation, distribution, waste management and ensuring every child receives the intended benefits,” he said.

The dashboard tracks Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), or MBG kitchens, beneficiaries, school coverage, hygiene, sanitation, waste management and operational challenges.

Walilo urged government agencies, working groups and the MBG task force to update the system regularly with accurate and reliable data.

He said the information would strengthen monitoring and provide a sound basis for evaluating and improving services for Papuan children.

UNICEF Papua Chief Aminuddin Mohammad Ramdan said the dashboard compiles key data, including beneficiaries, participating schools, SPPG operations and incidents such as suspected food poisoning.

“The dashboard enables local governments to monitor the program in real time, respond more quickly to problems and make data-driven policy decisions,” he said.

Besides developing the system, UNICEF is providing technical assistance to strengthen human resources and improve operations at 14 National Nutrition Agency (BGN)-managed SPPGs.

He expressed hope that the dashboard would eventually cover all areas of Papua Province, improving the program’s effectiveness, accountability and impact.

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