By: Loa Murib
Food is one of the crucial pillars of national resilience. Adequate, quality, and affordable food availability is an absolute requirement for Indonesia to maintain social, political, and economic stability. The government has prioritized food sovereignty as a strategic focus in national development. One major step being undertaken is designating Papua, particularly South Papua, as Indonesia’s new food barn.
With vast, fertile lands and abundant water resources, Merauke and its surroundings are seen as strategic areas for developing community rice fields based on local wisdom combined with modern agricultural technology. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the People’s Rice Field Creation program (Cetak Sawah Rakyat/CSR), is accelerating the expansion of agricultural land in South Papua to become a backbone of national food resilience.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that accelerating the CSR program is part of a grand government effort to achieve food self-sufficiency. He stressed that Papua’s fertile natural potential and abundant water should be optimally utilized so Indonesia can fast-track its long-cherished goal of food self-sufficiency. He targets that this program will enable farmers in Papua to harvest two to three times a year, significantly increasing national rice production.
This policy is not only about increasing production but also relates to national resilience. By reducing dependency on food imports, Indonesia will hold a stronger position in maintaining economic stability and facing global uncertainties. When food needs are met domestically, the nation will be less vulnerable to global food crises and international price fluctuations.
Head of the Agricultural Human Resource Development and Extension Agency (BPPSDMP), Idha Widi Arsanti, added that the CSR program aims to increase planting index and expand productive land. Land expansion is conducted in a measured manner, opening new lands in accordance with Papua’s geographical and ecological conditions. This way, national food production can increase without compromising environmental sustainability.
The government has concretely implemented this by signing a Survey Investigation Design (SID) contract between the South Papua Plantation, Horticulture, and Food Crops Service and the South Papua Public Works Agency. This contract targets opening 21,291 hectares of land in Merauke. Thus, the SID contract target for 2025 totaling 41,291 hectares is 100 percent fulfilled, marking the government’s full commitment to ensuring the program runs as planned.
The Director of the Agricultural Development Polytechnic (Polbangtan) Manokwari and the person in charge of South Papua Food Self-Sufficiency, O’eng Anwarudin, emphasized that the contract symbolizes the government’s seriousness in promoting Papua as a national food center. He explained that 10,000 hectares have entered the supervision contract phase, with cooperation established with Musamus University to ensure the process meets standards. According to him, with the progress so far, planting is expected to commence by September.
The CSR initiative in Papua is not only about increasing productivity but also building local economic independence. Papuan farmers will gain access to modern agricultural technology, superior seeds, and more efficient planting patterns. Hence, the program is expected not only to produce abundant harvests but also to improve local community welfare as part of inclusive development.
Papua, with all its potential, indeed deserves to be a pillar of national resilience. Developing the food sector in this region complements government efforts in infrastructure, education, and health. By combining physical and economic development, Papua will no longer be viewed merely as an outermost region but as a vital center supporting the nation’s sovereignty.
Moreover, success in making Papua a national food barn will strengthen Indonesia’s position in facing global challenges. The world today confronts a food crisis caused by climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and price fluctuations. Countries that ensure food availability domestically will hold stronger bargaining power globally. Therefore, making Papua a pillar of food self-sufficiency is a long-term strategy to maintain national stability and strengthen Indonesia’s diplomacy.
This policy also aligns with the President’s vision of achieving Golden Indonesia 2045, where food sovereignty is a key indicator of national progress. Future generations should not bear the burden of food import dependency but inherit a strong, productive, and independent agricultural system. Papua, with all its natural potential, will be an integral part of the nation’s journey towards independence.
To realize this grand vision, strong synergy between the central government, regional governments, academics, and communities is essential. The involvement of local farmers is the main key, as they are the frontline in sustaining the CSR program. With proper guidance and extension services, Papuan farmers will be able to optimize their lands to make a tangible contribution to national food resilience.
The author is a student from Papua studying in East Java.
