In the lush coastal regency of Nabire, Central Papua, a silent transformation is taking place—one that speaks not only to health statistics but also to human dignity and hope. Once categorized among the regions struggling with high levels of stunting, Nabire now stands proudly as the first-place winner in the Provincial Stunting Reduction Competition (Lomba Percepatan Penurunan Stunting) for all of Central Papua in 2025.
For years, the haunting image of stunted growth in Papuan children symbolized the deep-rooted challenges of poverty, limited healthcare access, and nutrition inequality. But in just a few years, Nabire has defied the odds. Guided by firm local leadership and strengthened by strategic collaboration, the regency has emerged as a success story of Indonesia’s eastern frontier—proving that with the right approach, even the most remote regions can lead the fight against child malnutrition.
Understanding Stunting: Beyond the Numbers
Stunting is not merely about height. It is a complex public health issue that reflects chronic malnutrition during the early years of life—particularly during the “first 1,000 days” from conception to a child’s second birthday. Children who suffer from stunting often experience delayed cognitive development, weaker immunity, and lower academic and economic potential later in life.
In Papua, the challenge has always been multidimensional. Rugged terrain, difficult logistics, limited food access, and insufficient sanitation infrastructure have long hindered efforts to combat stunting. In Nabire, the condition was particularly concerning in past years, when community health centers (puskesmas) recorded a persistent rate of undernutrition among toddlers.
The Provincial Health Office noted that while data in 2022 indicated a stunting rate of around 15.9 percent, by 2024–2025, Nabire managed to reduce that figure to roughly 12.9 percent, an impressive drop in a short span of time. These numbers are not just statistical success—they represent thousands of children whose futures have been given a new chance.
Strong Governance and Policy Leadership
The turning point began when the Government of Nabire Regency made stunting reduction one of its top development priorities. Under the leadership of Regent Mesak Magai, the local administration implemented a comprehensive, data-driven policy that aligned with the national agenda for stunting eradication set forth by President Prabowo Subianto’s government.
The Nabire administration refined Indonesia’s national “Eight Convergence Actions for Stunting Reduction” into four practical steps—simplified, measurable, and easily applied in the field. This reform accelerated coordination among sectors such as health, education, social affairs, and food security.
At the same time, Nabire’s BAPPERIDA (Regional Development Planning Agency) established an integrated monitoring system using the e-PPGBM (Community-Based Nutrition Reporting System). By improving data accuracy and consistency, the government could target specific villages with tailored interventions. This precision proved crucial in focusing resources where they were needed most—rural communities, indigenous settlements, and remote islands.
Community Empowerment at the Grassroots Level
Behind every successful policy are people working tirelessly at the grassroots. In Nabire, that means midwives, village cadres, mothers, and local volunteers who have turned public health into a daily movement. Across the district, Posyandu (community health posts) became the frontlines of transformation.
Every month, mothers bring their toddlers for height and weight checks, receive nutrition counselling, and learn about proper breastfeeding, hygiene, and balanced diets. Village health workers track growth charts and report data in real-time to district health authorities. These small but consistent acts have created a ripple effect that strengthened health awareness at the household level.
In the Bumi Raya District, local Kakam (village heads) and Puskesmas teams regularly distribute food supplements and fortified milk to families identified as high-risk. The initiative doesn’t just fight malnutrition—it strengthens the bond between government and citizens, creating a sense of shared mission for a healthier Nabire.
Partnership with the Private Sector: PASTI Papua and Freeport’s Support
One of Nabire’s strongest advantages is its strategic collaboration with the private sector, most notably through the PASTI Papua (Partnership to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Indonesia – Papua) program. The initiative is a joint effort involving the Nabire Regency Government, PT Freeport Indonesia, and Wahana Visi Indonesia.
Through this partnership, corporate resources and technical expertise were mobilized to complement government efforts. Seven target villages were identified as pilot areas, where health services were upgraded, nutrition outreach intensified, and water-sanitation infrastructure improved.
PT Freeport Indonesia, one of the world’s leading mining companies operating in Papua, supported capacity-building programs for more than 25 health cadres in Nabire. The company also assisted with logistics for health outreach to isolated villages and provided funding for nutrition campaigns in schools and communities.
Regent Mesak Magai expressed deep appreciation for this cooperation, noting that Freeport’s involvement represented a “true partnership for human development.” He emphasized that this collaboration would not only reduce stunting but also strengthen Nabire’s overall social resilience.
Recognition and Celebration: Nabire Wins First Place in Central Papua
In late 2025, Nabire’s collective efforts were publicly recognized when the regency won first place in the Provincial Stunting Reduction Competition (Lomba Percepatan Penurunan Stunting se-Papua Tengah). The award was announced by BAPPERIDA Papua Tengah, marking Nabire as the best-performing district in combating stunting across the province.
Officials described the victory as the culmination of “years of cross-sector dedication,” crediting the hard work of public servants, healthcare professionals, village cadres, and mothers who have embraced the campaign wholeheartedly. Nabire had previously ranked third and fourth in earlier years—but through continuous commitment, it climbed to the very top in 2025.
The award ceremony was not just a celebration but also a reaffirmation of purpose. As local leaders proudly stood on the stage, they reminded everyone that the fight against stunting was far from over—it was a journey that required perseverance, funding, and innovation.
Health, Hope, and Human Capital
The reduction of stunting in Nabire is more than a medical triumph—it is a foundation for economic and social transformation. A well-nourished child grows into a more productive adult, with greater potential to contribute to local development. This progress aligns directly with Indonesia’s broader national vision to improve human capital quality by 2045.
Moreover, the Nabire experience highlights how women’s empowerment is at the heart of public health. Many of the frontline health workers are women who now play a greater role in shaping community well-being. Mothers who once depended solely on government aid have become active participants in ensuring their children’s nutrition and hygiene.
The results are visible. In schools across Nabire, teachers report that children are more energetic, focused, and ready to learn. In villages once marked by poverty and isolation, new optimism is emerging—a sense that the future, though still challenging, is within reach.
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining Progress Beyond Awards
Despite its achievement, Nabire’s leadership remains realistic about the challenges ahead. Sustaining progress will require consistent funding, continued training, and strong data management. Many remote areas remain difficult to access, with weak road connections and limited healthcare staff.
Another pressing issue is data reconciliation. While the e-PPGBM system records significant progress, national survey data such as the SSGI (Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey) still show higher figures. The Nabire Health Office is now working to synchronize these datasets to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Maintaining first place, as local officials admit, will be harder than achieving it. “Defending success requires greater discipline and unity,” said a district health officer. “The award is motivation, not the finish line.”
A Blueprint for Other Regions
Nabire’s model offers valuable lessons for other regencies across Papua and Indonesia. First, simplifying bureaucracy accelerates progress—by cutting through administrative layers, Nabire allowed field workers to act faster. Second, accurate and real-time data enables smarter interventions. Third, genuine partnerships—between government, the private sector, and civil society—magnify impact far beyond what any one actor can achieve alone.
For President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which prioritizes inclusive and equitable development in eastern Indonesia, Nabire’s success demonstrates that even remote regions can be at the forefront of national progress when local leadership is strong and communities are empowered.
Conclusion
Today in Nabire, the sight of healthy children running through village courtyards is the most powerful symbol of victory. It is not merely about medals or awards, but about a generation standing taller—both literally and figuratively.
The story of Nabire is a reminder that true development begins in the cradle, within families and communities who care deeply for their children’s future. Through collaboration, commitment, and compassion, this once-struggling regency has proven that change is possible, hope is real, and progress begins with the smallest citizens.
