MIMIKA – The Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) is finalizing the Senator Care for Food Security program by preparing corn seed planting activities in Mimika Regency, Central Papua. Along with Central Papua, three other pioneer provinces are also taking part: Bengkulu, South Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara.
“This agenda is a strategic step by DPD RI to support the Government’s Asta Cita 2025–2029 priority program in the field of food security, particularly in Central Papua,” said DPD RI member Yorrys Raweyai while leading a preparatory meeting in Mimika, Central Papua, on Thursday (September 18, 2025).
Yorrys explained the reasons behind selecting Central Papua as one of the pilot regions. According to him, the province holds vast agricultural potential but also faces logistical and infrastructure challenges.
“This corn planting program is not merely symbolic; it is a concrete initiative by DPD RI together with local governments and the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance land productivity, strengthen food security, and at the same time create economic opportunities for the people of Central Papua,” he added.
The program is part of DPD RI’s long-term initiative aligned with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029. Through corn seed cultivation, it aims to foster local food diversification, reduce dependency on rice, and increase food self-sufficiency in Eastern Indonesia.
Nurul Qomariyah, Secretary of the Agricultural Extension and Human Resource Development Agency at the Ministry of Agriculture, affirmed the ministry’s readiness to fully support this initiative. “The Ministry of Agriculture will work in synergy with DPD RI through the Senator Care for Food Security program as part of the government’s Asta Cita commitment,” she stated.
