Wamena (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plans to establish more than 90 nutrition fulfillment service units, or kitchens, in Jayawijaya District, Highland Papua, to support the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, an official said on Wednesday.Wahyu Adi Pratama, the agency’s coordinator for Highland Papua, said BGN is currently preparing 11 MBG kitchens in the district as part of the initial rollout.The expansion aims to strengthen food access and improve nutrition among local communities, particularly schoolchildren, under one of the government’s flagship social programs.The agency is prioritizing areas with limited access to balanced meals and basic nutrition services.“We are organizing training to help MBG kitchens in Jayawijaya obtain hygiene and sanitation certificates, as well as halal certification, to ensure food quality,” Pratama said in a statement received in Wamena.He added that certification is a key requirement to standardize food safety and ensure meals meet national health guidelines. The training also covers food handling, storage, and preparation processes to minimize health risks.BGN is working closely with local government agencies to accelerate preparations, including administrative processes and technical assistance for certification.The collaboration focuses on strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring all kitchens comply with regulatory standards before full operations begin.Authorities are also mapping potential locations and workforce needs to support the planned expansion across the district.“Our goal is to equip SPPG workers with the skills to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring that MBG food is healthy and of good quality,” Pratama said.He added that improving human resources is essential to sustaining the program’s long-term impact.The agency expects the additional kitchens to boost service coverage and support broader efforts to reduce malnutrition and improve public health outcomes in Highland Papua.