By: Yohanes Wandikbo
The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening national food independence through the Papua Food Self-Sufficiency program, which has now become a milestone achievement in the first year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. This program symbolizes national sovereignty and the economic revival of Indonesia’s eastern region. Amid global challenges related to food security, this strategic step proves that Papua has become one of the main pillars supporting the nation’s food self-sufficiency.
The Merauke area in South Papua is the center of this strategic policy. It is here that the government is developing the National Food, Energy, and Water Self-Sufficiency Zone coordinated across multiple ministries. The government’s full commitment, through the Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), ensures that food development is not only productivity-oriented but also based on environmental sustainability principles. This approach characterizes a new era of development that balances economic progress with the preservation of Papua’s natural environment.
Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that food development in South Papua represents a balance between growth and conservation. He believes that Merauke will grow as a national food barn without sacrificing its ecological wealth. Supported by spatial planning policies and proper land use, South Papua is projected to become a model for sustainable food development focused on the future. This vision aligns with the national agenda toward Indonesia’s Golden Era 2045, where food security serves as the foundation of national sovereignty.
The 52,000-hectare rice field expansion program in Merauke is part of the national target of one million hectares outlined in Presidential Instruction Number 14 of 2025. The government is also preparing supporting infrastructure such as the construction of 135 kilometers of roads, a 180-hectare airport, and a 377-hectare port to strengthen supply chains and food distribution across regions. The existence of this infrastructure ensures that food production can be efficiently distributed to various parts of Indonesia. Thus, Papua is no longer merely a consumer region but also a major producer of national food.
Regarding governance, Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq views inter-agency collaboration as the key to the program’s success. KLH/BPLH synergizes with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, and the South Papua Provincial Government to accelerate the establishment of the Provincial Spatial Plan (RTRWP). The RTRWP serves as a legal foundation and basis for sustainable development, ensuring that agricultural land expansion does not cause spatial conflicts and remains supportive of local communities.
Head of the Food, Agriculture, Marine, and Fisheries Service (P2KP) Absalom Solossa stated that the initial phase of the 10,000-hectare rice field expansion program has begun in Sorong and South Sorong Regencies. This program has a dual impact: increasing rice production while creating new jobs. Thousands of local residents are now involved in modern agricultural activities utilizing technology and efficient irrigation systems. This demonstrates that the food self-sufficiency program brings tangible benefits to the welfare of Papua’s people.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced that Indonesia has achieved rice self-sufficiency with a surplus of 5 million tons in 2025. This success is not coincidental but the result of the government’s hard work and consistency in building a resilient national food system. According to him, Papua plays a crucial role in strengthening national food security, not only by increasing national rice stocks but also by expanding the economic base of the people in eastern Indonesia.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed that the full self-sufficiency target will be achieved by the end of 2025. He explained that improvements in irrigation networks, more targeted fertilizer distribution, and the acceleration of new rice field expansion are the decisive factors. The Ministry of Agriculture is also optimizing the use of modern agricultural technology to boost productivity for Papua’s farmers, ranging from land mechanization to precision agriculture based on weather data. This scientific and efficient approach is part of the national strategy to achieve competitive food security.
The program leader for South Papua’s Food Self-Sufficiency, Dr. Oeng Anwarudin, emphasized the importance of synergy between the central government, local governments, and the military (TNI) through the Food Self-Sufficiency Task Force. This collaboration reflects the spirit of national mutual cooperation in realizing food independence. The TNI’s role in field assistance, land security, and logistics mobilization demonstrates the integration of civilian and military strengths in supporting the nation’s strategic agenda.
Now, after one year, Papua’s Food Self-Sufficiency is not only a technocratic success but also a symbol of national revival from the border region. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, national food development policies have proven capable of embracing all elements of society. Papua is no longer viewed as a backward region but as a center of food progress that strengthens the spirit of a sovereign Indonesia.
With full support from the central government, cross-sector synergy, and the dedication of the Papuan people, the Papua Food Self-Sufficiency program marks a new chapter in national development history. This initiative is evidence that equitable development is not just rhetoric but a reality that strengthens the nation’s sovereignty and welfare. Papua’s Food Self-Sufficiency reflects an independent, resilient Indonesia ready to face the future with optimism and confidence as a great and sovereign food nation.
Author is a Papua development observer