By: Gavin Asadit)*
The Food Estate project in Papua is a strategic step taken by the Indonesian government to strengthen national food security. Given the vast land potential available, Papua is considered a key player in fulfilling domestic food needs. The government has ensured that this project has gone through a holistic study that considers economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that this project aims not only to increase food production but also to empower local communities and maintain environmental sustainability.
President’s Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, gave a positive statement regarding the project. He explained that the Food Estate in South Papua uses around 60% of unused land with no forest vegetation, ensuring no deforestation occurs. Hashim stressed that the project was designed with careful consideration to increase food production without harming the environment or altering the functions of existing ecosystems. This reaffirms the government’s commitment to environmental conservation while optimizing the agricultural potential of Papua.
Infrastructure development supporting this project also plays an essential role in the success of the Food Estate. The government has planned the construction of a pier in the Wanam area and a 135-kilometer road connecting Wanam to Muting, aiming to streamline the distribution of agricultural products. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, revealed that infrastructure development is being carried out with careful consideration of potential social and environmental impacts. This infrastructure will ensure more efficient distribution, provide broader market access for local farmers, and open economic opportunities for local communities.
Dr. Andi Wijaya, an agronomy expert from Gadjah Mada University, also shared his view that the Food Estate project in Papua is a significant step for Indonesia’s food security. According to him, with the application of modern agricultural technology, such as the use of drones for land monitoring and precision irrigation systems, agricultural productivity will increase without damaging ecosystems. This technology allows for more efficient and environmentally-friendly land management.
Furthermore, agricultural economics expert from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Siti Nurhayati, also gave her perspective on this project. She highlighted that the Food Estate project has the potential to strengthen the local economy in Papua. By involving indigenous communities in every stage of food production, this project can accelerate economic development and distribution in the region. Prof. Siti stressed the importance of ensuring that the project benefits all parties, particularly local communities, and provides broader access for Papuan farmers to grow.
The government is also committed to ensuring environmental sustainability throughout this project. Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, emphasized that every phase of the Food Estate project has carefully considered its environmental impact. The government ensures that this project will not cause damage to primary forests or conservation areas. This project also includes reforestation programs to plant vegetation around agricultural land to maintain ecosystem health.
Moreover, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted that the Food Estate project could provide a positive impact on the regional economy. He explained that food security is not only about increasing production but also empowering local economies through more organized agricultural management. This project will involve intensive dialogue with indigenous communities to ensure that the economic benefits can be fairly distributed to all parties involved.
On the technological side, this project uses advanced farming methods that can increase yields without harming the environment. A sensor-based irrigation system will be implemented on agricultural land to save water, especially in areas with water distribution challenges. Additionally, the use of superior plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change is also part of the strategy to increase sustainable productivity.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI), Fadli Zon, also fully supports this project and stated that the success of the Food Estate in Papua will open up significant opportunities for international markets. With Indonesia’s extraordinary agricultural potential, this project could be the first step toward becoming a more self-sufficient and competitive nation in the global market.
The Indonesian government deserves praise for its bold and well-planned steps in implementing the Food Estate project in Papua. With a holistic approach, this project aims not only to strengthen food security but also to encourage regional economic development while preserving the environment. The government’s commitment to involving various stakeholders, from indigenous communities to academics, shows the seriousness of its intent to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. In the future, this project could serve as a model for environmentally friendly agricultural management that brings long-term economic benefits, both for the people of Papua and for Indonesia as a whole. This step will further strengthen Indonesia’s position as a food-independent nation capable of meeting increasingly complex global challenges.
)* Author is a Social and Community Issues Observer.
