By: Martha Korowai)*
The transmigration program has become one of the solutions implemented by the government to spread development across Indonesia. Papua, with its abundant natural resources and challenges, has become a key focus for the program. Aside from aiming to promote population distribution and socio-economic development, the transmigration program in Papua is also expected to strengthen food security in the region.
One of the main objectives of transmigration is to improve access to natural resources and open opportunities for more developed agricultural sectors. In Papua, where much of the area is still remote and hard to access, the program is expected to transform local livelihoods. Transmigrants, who typically come from various regions with agricultural expertise, bring valuable knowledge and technology for managing Papua’s natural resources.
Head of the Transmigration Center at the Ministry of Transmigration, Wibowo Puji Raharjo, highlighted two transmigration areas directly related to food security: Kapuas in Kalimantan and Salor in Merauke, South Papua. These regions represent a strategic effort to address food security challenges in Indonesia. Both areas play a significant role in establishing food security not only locally but with the potential to contribute to national food needs. Kapuas and Salor may have different characteristics and potentials, but they share a fundamental similarity: both rely heavily on the agricultural sector to ensure food availability.
Papua’s fertile soil has great potential to support agriculture. However, geographic challenges and inadequate infrastructure often hinder optimal agricultural development. With transmigration, farmers from outside Papua are expected to help overcome these barriers. They bring not only farming skills but also more efficient natural resource management abilities. Therefore, transmigration plays a crucial role in promoting food security, especially in improving the production of high-quality local food.
Furthermore, through transmigration, the government can more easily develop supporting agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, agricultural product distribution networks, and farmer training to increase production capacity. This benefits not only the transmigrants but also local Papuan communities who can learn new farming techniques and knowledge. Thus, this program can serve as a bridge between improving economic welfare and strengthening food security in the region.
The Papua Barat Provincial Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the national food security program as directed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This was emphasized by Melkias Werinussa, Assistant II of the Papua Barat Regional Secretariat, who stressed that the responsibility for this program is a national duty involving local governments.
Regions such as Manokwari and Fakfak, selected for paddy development, have geographic and climatic conditions conducive to agriculture. Through the Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations (TPHBUN), the local government has conducted land inventory to ensure optimal agricultural development. This step is crucial, as the success of the food security program depends on how well the land is planned and managed.
A good food security situation is highly dependent on the diversity of agricultural products and the availability of food to meet community needs. With the transmigration program, various agricultural commodities that were previously unfamiliar in Papua can now be developed. For example, food commodities such as corn, rice, soybeans, and vegetables can thrive in lowland areas. The diversity of these food products will provide more choices for the Papuan people to meet their daily nutritional needs and create a more stable food reserve.
Pj Secretary of Papua Pegunungan, Wasuok D Siep, encouraged local communities to utilize agricultural land, which is a positive step towards improving people’s welfare and supporting food security. Papua Pegunungan, largely mountainous and highland, certainly presents unique challenges in land management and agricultural development. However, if well-managed, the existing natural potential could become the main driver for local economic growth and regional food sustainability.
Of course, to ensure the effectiveness of the transmigration program, the government must continue to focus on environmental and social sustainability. The success of transmigration should not only be measured by the increase in food production but also by how well the program can create a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. Therefore, it is essential to involve local communities in every phase of the program’s implementation, so they feel ownership and can actively contribute to building sustainable food security.
Overall, the transmigration program in Papua is not just about relocating populations, but also a strategy to promote better food security. With the right support from both the government and communities, this program can become a crucial pillar in improving welfare and food independence in Papua.
)* Author is a Staff for Papua Education Policy – Papua Sejahtera Education Development Institute