Merauke — President Prabowo Subianto made his inaugural visit to Merauke on Sunday (November 3), where he personally observed rice planting and harvesting alongside local farmers using a combine harvester. Prabowo even took the opportunity to drive the machine himself.

Arie, a farmer from Merauke, shared his excitement at accompanying the President as he operated the harvester in the rice fields of Telagasari Village, Kurik District.

“It gave me goosebumps. I even received a keepsake gift,” Arie expressed.

Arie recounted how Prabowo asked him for directions when maneuvering the modern harvesting equipment.

“(Prabowo) asked if he should turn left or right,” Arie said.

He expressed gratitude for the government’s support and equipment, noting an improvement in rice yields thanks to the new tools and programs.

“Our harvest results have improved,” he stated.

Major General Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, Head of the Food Security Task Force, who was also present during the visit, noted that the rice field development program began with an initial land optimization of 40,000 hectares around Merauke.

“This will be followed by 100,000 more hectares and eventually 1 million hectares from Wanam to Mutik,” Ahmad explained.

Prabowo has tasked Ahmad with continuing to collaborate closely with local and national stakeholders to establish Merauke as a national food hub.

In 2024, the government completed the first phase of swamp land optimization, covering 40,000 hectares in Merauke Regency. Of this, 35,000 hectares have been planted, with an additional 5,000 hectares under preparation.

The government has also distributed agricultural machinery, including 65 two-wheeled tractors, 113 four-wheeled tractors, 76 rice transplanters, 638 water pumps, 20 combine harvesters, and 90 hand sprayers, managed by the food brigade. (RR)