BGN Nabire Implements Scheduled Local Food Absorption Scheme

Nabire, Central Papua - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nabire Regency Regional Office has begun implementing a scheduled local food absorption scheme across 14 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) to strengthen the distribution of nutritious food and stimulate community economies. BGN Nabire Regional Coordinator Marsel Asyerem in Nabire said the policy will start in Quarter II 2026 after evaluating previous programme implementation. He explained that the scheme aims to ensure the utilisation of local foods, such as sweet potato, cassava and taro, are absorbed optimally while maintaining nutrition supply for beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. BGN has also arranged schedules for serving local food menus at 14 SPPGs in Nabire to ensure absorption is even across the region. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the local food menu is provided by SPPG Siriwini 01, 02, 03 and SPPG Gerbang Sadu. Wednesday and Thursday by SPPG Lani, Nabarua, Oyehe, and Kalisusu 01 and 02. Friday and Saturday by SPPG BMW 01 and 02, Girimulyo, Kalibobo, and Yaro. “All SPPGs are required to purchase directly from markets, especially from Indigenous Papuan traders (OAP), without intermediaries,” he said. He added that the policy is concentrated at three main markets, Pasar Sore KPR, Pasar Kalibobo and Pasar Karang, as an effort to shorten the distribution chain and increase traders’ incomes, especially Indigenous Papuan traders (OAP). He emphasised that the scheduled scheme is not merely about nutrition but also part of a strategy to empower community economies. “Through regular absorption of local foods, the national budget can circulate directly within communities, particularly among farmers, ranchers and small traders,” he said. BGN Nabire is optimistic that the policy, fully supported by Central Papua Regional Coordinator Nalensius Situmorang, can improve community nutrition while driving village-based economic growth in Nabire.