THE MINISTRY of Agriculture (Kementan) continues to strengthen efforts to accelerate food self-sufficiency in Merauke Regency, South Papua.
The steps taken include intensive assistance to farmers and expanding the use of mechanization as a form of transformation from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture.
This initiative is in line with the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, who pays great attention to the potential of South Papua as one of Indonesia’s food baskets.
“He asked us to accelerate the big idea of printing rice fields as part of efforts to realize food self-sufficiency. “Apart from that, Mr President underscored the importance of improving the welfare of the people in Papua,” said Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman after accompanying the President’s first visit to Merauke Regency, Sunday (3/11).
As a concrete step, Minister Amran said that the government would build tertiary irrigation channels and distribute seeds free of charge to farmers who were willing to implement modern agriculture.
According to Amran, this program is expected to become a milestone in prosperity for the Papuan people and achieve the national self-sufficiency target within four years.
“The presence of this government is aimed at the welfare of the Papuan people. “Our main focus is to improve their welfare through planned programs,” stressed Amran.
Local community demand for agricultural land development continues to increase.
Many communities from several districts in Merauke have submitted applications for processing the land as a new rice field area, seeing the high economic potential of this land.
“I often hear requests from people in the districts to immediately start this rice field printing program. They are very enthusiastic because this program is considered to be able to improve their welfare. “We have been actively going back and forth for the last 12 months, and the community support has been very large,” explained Amran.
During his first working visit to Merauke, President Prabowo, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, emphasized the importance of accelerating food self-sufficiency massively and sustainably in the food production center areas of Eastern Indonesia.
This program is expected to be a strategic solution to meet national food needs and improve the welfare of the people in Papua. (RO/Z-10)
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**Interview with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman on President Prabowo’s Visit to Merauke**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Sulaiman. Could you share with us the main objectives of President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Merauke?
**Minister Sulaiman:** Thank you for having me. The President’s visit to Merauke was primarily focused on reviewing our ongoing efforts to strengthen food security in South Papua. He is eager to accelerate the development of Merauke as a key food-producing region for Indonesia.
**Interviewer:** What specific initiatives are being implemented to achieve food self-sufficiency in this region?
**Minister Sulaiman:** There are several initiatives underway. One of the key strategies is the “Rice Field Printing Program,” which aims to expand rice cultivation across suitable lands. Additionally, we are providing intensive assistance and training to local farmers to help transition them from traditional methods to more modern agricultural techniques. This includes the use of mechanization to increase efficiency and yield.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned improving the welfare of the people in Papua. How does food security play a role in this?
**Minister Sulaiman:** Food security is directly tied to the welfare of the community. By ensuring that our agriculture is productive and sustainable, we not only provide food for the local population but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. As the President highlighted, enhancing agricultural output can significantly improve the quality of life for the people in Papua.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to support farmers in this transition?
**Minister Sulaiman:** We are working on building tertiary irrigation channels to ensure that water supply does not become a limiting factor in farming. Moreover, we will distribute high-quality seeds free of charge to those farmers willing to adopt modern agricultural practices. This support is crucial in achieving the goals set forth by the President.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Sulaiman, for sharing these insights. It sounds like there are promising developments ahead for food security in South Papua.
**Minister Sulaiman:** Thank you for having me. We are committed to making progress and ensuring a brighter future for the region.