CheckPapuaNow.com – President Prabowo Subianto visited Wanam Village in Merauke, South Papua, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, to directly assess the development of sustainable agriculture programs in the region. During this visit, the President inspected a rice demonstration plot designed to enhance food productivity in eastern Indonesia.
Upon arriving at the site, President Prabowo headed to the model area used for testing the latest rice cultivation techniques. He observed farmers meticulously preparing the land for the upcoming planting season there. This demonstration plot is intended to serve as a model for local farmers, teaching effective agricultural techniques aimed at increasing yields and improving rice quality.
Additionally, the President witnessed the process of land preparation and the application of dolomite, a crucial step in enhancing soil fertility. Farmers were seen spreading dolomite, a natural substance that helps neutralize soil acidity and improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
The Head of the Food Security Task Force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Major General TNI Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, stated that the rice cultivation initiative in Wanam and its surroundings is part of a broader plan for agricultural land development in Merauke. He noted that the government aims to develop approximately 100,000 hectares of farmland, starting from Wanam to Muting, with a total target of reaching 1 million hectares.
“This rice cultivation program in Wanam is part of a larger project. We are starting in Merauke, from Wanam to Muting, with a total goal of achieving 1 million hectares,” Major General TNI Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said.
In addition to establishing rice fields, the government plans to build supporting infrastructure, including a dock in Wanam and a 135-kilometer road from Wanam to Muting. This infrastructure is expected to facilitate farmers in transporting their tools and harvests to distribution centers.
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Merauke, with its flat and marshy land and abundant water supply, presents significant potential for food security initiatives. The region’s fertile soil, with black topsoil reaching up to 30 centimeters, makes it especially suitable for supporting food self-sufficiency programs in eastern Indonesia.
“With the condition of the land and the abundant water supply in Merauke, we are optimistic that the food self-sufficiency program can be achieved,” Major General TNI Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani continued.
Accompanying President Prabowo during this visit were several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Head of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Muhammad Herindra, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto, and Acting Governor of South Papua, Rudy Sufahriadi. Their presence underscores the government’s strong commitment to realizing sustainable food security in South Papua.
This sustainable agriculture program is expected to enhance the welfare of local farmers and provide a food supply for the Indonesian population. With expansive plans for rice cultivation and supporting infrastructure, the government is optimistic that Merauke will become a national rice granary and significantly contribute to food security in the future.
The success of this program will represent a significant step for Indonesia toward achieving food self-sufficiency. Moreover, the development of infrastructure in the Merauke area is anticipated to open new economic avenues, boost the agricultural sector, and reduce reliance on food imports.
