By: Ratna Desi Subagja )*
The government’s efforts to accelerate the realization of food self-sufficiency in Papua not only reflect the seriousness in building national food independence, but also show real concern for the equal distribution of community welfare to the easternmost region of Indonesia. Papua, which has often been portrayed as a disadvantaged region, is now being promoted as the nation’s future food barn, thanks to various strategic steps taken by the central government through the Ministry of Agriculture, the Coordinating Ministry for Food, and synergy with BUMN and the community.
The Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the government is accelerating the food self-sufficiency program in Papua through a systematic and integrated approach. Direct assistance to farmers combined with the implementation of agricultural mechanization is the key to the transformation from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture. This step not only increases efficiency and productivity, but also opens up opportunities for greater welfare for local farmers.
The application of modern agricultural technology such as the use of agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan), superior seed technology, and sophisticated irrigation systems are concrete forms of the government’s grand vision. In this regard, President Prabowo Subianto explicitly pays serious attention to Papua becoming a main pillar in national food security. The big idea of a new rice field program in potential areas such as Merauke, as well as the construction of tertiary irrigation channels, is a promising initial step.
One real breakthrough is the provision of free superior seeds to farmers, especially in areas that are ready to transform towards modern agriculture. In Manokwari Regency, for example, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture distributed 4 tons of Inpari 32 variety rice seeds to support dry land rice cultivation. This program targets three main districts, namely Warmare (100 hectares), Masni (81 hectares), and Prafi (19 hectares). The development of rice on dry land is not just a short-term solution, but a long-term strategy to maximize Papua’s agricultural potential which has not been optimally developed so far.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan also emphasized the importance of stopping dependence on food imports, especially for strategic commodities such as rice, sugar, salt, and corn for animal feed. Food self-sufficiency is no longer a dream amidst the current global uncertainty. The government has designed various productivity strategies through cross-sector collaboration and the application of advanced technology that is adaptive to local geographic and socio-cultural conditions, including in Papua.
On the other hand, the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in realizing food self-sufficiency cannot be separated from the vital role of BUMN. In this case, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) plays a key role. With an investment commitment of IDR 116 trillion, the company is building the Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Estate in West Papua. This investment is not just a physical construction of the industry, but a long-term strategy to ensure the availability of fertilizer as the main factor in agricultural productivity.
President Director of PT Pupuk Indonesia, Rahmad Pribadi, emphasized that fertilizer contributes around 62% to agricultural productivity. His party ensures that sufficient and even supply of fertilizer is an absolute prerequisite in creating food self-sufficiency. Innovation is also carried out through digitalization of distribution with the i-Pubers system, which allows farmers to redeem subsidized fertilizer with only an ID card and ensures real-time supervision of distribution through the command center. This step not only accelerates distribution, but also reduces the opportunity for misuse and inaccurate targeting.
It is important to understand that Papua has extraordinary agricultural potential. With vast and fertile land, and a climate that supports agriculture all year round, Papua actually has all the basic capital to become a leading region in national food security. All that is needed is the systemic presence of the state, and this is what the government is currently realizing.
However, of course, the success of this program does not solely depend on the government. The participation of the community, academics, the private sector, and local communities are important parts of a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Active synergy is needed between all stakeholders to ensure that the programs that have been designed truly answer the needs in the field, while strengthening food security as a strategic pillar of national defense.
The program to accelerate food self-sufficiency in Papua is not only about food. This is part of a big agenda for social justice. Equal development that touches the food sector in disadvantaged areasl is a real manifestation of the spirit of Pancasila and the mandate of the constitution. When Papuan farmers prosper, when rice, corn, and paddy from Papua land become daily consumption in various regions of Indonesia, then that is when we truly stand on our own two feet in food matters.
Community involvement in the food production and distribution process is also the key to the success of this program. The government has committed to providing training and coaching for farmers and local business actors, so that they can improve the quality and quantity of food production sustainably. This program also serves as a bridge for the Papuan people to adapt to global economic developments without abandoning their local culture and wisdom.
The development of the National Food Barn in Papua is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to overcoming development inequality and creating economic independence in the outermost regions of Indonesia. This program brings great hope for the Papuan people to be able to enjoy better welfare, by improving the quality of life through empowering the agricultural sector and creating wider employment opportunities.
With commitment, enthusiasm, and hard work together, it is certain that this program will not only benefit the Papuan people, but will also make a positive contribution to national food security as a whole. The welfare of Papua is part of the welfare of the nation, and it is time for us to knit these hopes for a better future.
)* Student of the Faculty of Agriculture UI
