Merauke — Residents of Merauke were enthusiastic about President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to inspect the national food estate project alongside Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman on Sunday (October 3).

Benediktus Murdani Kopong, a local resident, expressed his joy at meeting and shaking hands with Prabowo.

“I’m grateful the President could visit us here in South Papua, Merauke. To meet him in person and shake his hand—it’s extraordinary,” Benediktus said with a beaming smile.

He described the moment as both special and remarkable, as such opportunities to interact closely with the president are rare.

“Not everyone has the chance to be here with the President,” he added.

Benediktus also shared the hopes of local farmers, specifically calling for the expansion of the national food estate in Merauke, allowing them to cultivate more farmland and increase agricultural output.

“Our hope is that the President will continue to develop South Papua, especially Merauke, as a key food production area,” he said.

Prabowo arrived in Merauke in the morning to review the food estate and test a combine harvester that will be used by local farmers for rice and other crops. He even took the opportunity to drive the harvester himself, accompanied by Arie, a farmer from Merauke.

Arie, who hails from East Nusa Tenggara, expressed excitement, saying he was thrilled to sit beside Prabowo as he operated the machine.

“I was filled with excitement, even got goosebumps sitting right next to him. We’ve seen an increase in yields with the harvester. And he even gave me a small gift as a keepsake,” Arie shared.

During the visit, Minister Amran highlighted the government’s commitment to modern agriculture, encouraging the involvement of millennial and Gen Z farmers to enhance productivity. The goal is to help these young farmers earn a minimum monthly income of Rp 10 million by leveraging advanced agricultural technology.

“With our demographic bonus, we’re involving Gen Z, around 52%-56%, using high-tech agricultural equipment and aiming for a minimum income of Rp 10 million per month,” Amran stated.

This aligns with Prabowo’s vision for modernizing agriculture by transforming traditional practices into technology-driven methods.

“The President has tasked us with building a modern agriculture sector. We’re transitioning from traditional farming to a modern system with a target of 3 million hectares,” Amran added. (RR)