Merauke, South Papua — The Papua Food Self-Sufficiency program has now become a clear proof of the government’s success in achieving national food independence in the first year of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s administration. Through cross-ministerial collaboration and the support of the Papuan community, this program marks a new era of sustainable food development in eastern Indonesia while strengthening the nation’s food sovereignty.
The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) affirms its full commitment to overseeing the development of the National Food, Energy, and Water Self-Sufficiency Area in Merauke Regency, South Papua. This strategic area is designed not merely as an agricultural project but also as a symbol of national progress and independence.
Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that food development in South Papua reflects the synergy between progress and environmental preservation.
“We want Merauke to grow as a national food barn without sacrificing its natural environment. This program is not just for today but for the future of a sovereign and prosperous Indonesia,” he said.
The government targets the creation of 52,000 hectares of rice fields in Merauke as part of the national target of one million hectares in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 14 of 2025. Supporting infrastructure such as 135 kilometers of roads, a 180-hectare airport, and a 377-hectare port are being prepared to strengthen connectivity and food logistics distribution.
Minister Hanif emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration. KLH/BPLH, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, and South Papua Government, work hand-in-hand to accelerate the designation of the Provincial Spatial Planning (RTRWP) as the foundation for sustainable development.
A similar spirit resonates in Southwest Papua, now an important part of the national self-sufficiency movement. Head of Food, Agriculture, Marine, and Fisheries Service (P2KP), Absalom Solossa, said that the initial phase of creating 10,000 hectares of rice fields will start this year in Sorong and South Sorong Regencies.
“This program not only increases rice production but also creates jobs and fosters farmer welfare,” he said.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, confirmed that Indonesia has now achieved rice self-sufficiency with a surplus of up to 5 million tons in 2025.
“This achievement is the result of hard work together. Papua is now a key pillar of national food independence, strengthening the people’s economy from the far east of Indonesia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman assured that the full self-sufficiency target will be reached by the end of 2025. Improvements in irrigation, targeted fertilizer distribution, and accelerated rice field development are the main keys to this success.
During the 44th World Food Day commemoration in Merauke, the Head of the Papua Food Self-Sufficiency Program, Dr. Oeng Anwarudin, emphasized the importance of government, military, and community synergy through the Food Self-Sufficiency Task Force.
“This is a manifestation of national mutual cooperation for sustainable food,” he said.
With full support from the central government, cross-sector synergy, and the spirit of the Papuan people, Papua’s Food Self-Sufficiency is not only a development achievement but also a symbol of Indonesia’s independent, resilient, and sovereign glory in the field of food security.