Merauke — President Prabowo Subianto made his first official working visit to Papua, specifically to Kampung Wanam in the Ilwayab District, Merauke Regency, South Papua, on Sunday (November 3).

During his visit, Prabowo greeted locals and reviewed the national food estate project in Merauke, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman. Thousands of locals, including students, young farmers, food brigades, and agricultural advisors, gathered excitedly in the rice fields to welcome him.

Prabowo even operated a combine harvester with Minister Amran by his side, engaging in conversations with the farmers.

“Mr. Prabowo, a photo, please!” called one of the residents as they shook hands with the president.

This inaugural visit highlights the government’s commitment to accelerating sustainable food self-sufficiency. Merauke is projected to become a key food production center in eastern Indonesia, aiming to contribute significantly to national food security.

According to Minister Amran, “Strategic measures to achieve food self-sufficiency, as directed by President Prabowo, will include expanding rice paddies to 3 million hectares over the next 3-4 years, implementing irrigation systems, optimizing land, rehabilitating tertiary irrigation networks, and providing agricultural machinery to speed up planting and harvesting.”

In 2024, the government completed the first phase of swamp land optimization, covering 40,000 hectares in Merauke. Of this area, 35,000 hectares have already been planted, with the remaining 5,000 hectares under preparation for planting.

As tangible support, the government has provided 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.

“Food self-sufficiency not only boosts production but also aims to enhance farmers’ welfare and create new job opportunities for the people of Papua,” Minister Amran added. (RR)