SARMI – Papua Governor, Matius D. Fakhiri, conducted the inaugural rice planting in Tetom Jaya Village, Bonggo District, Sarmi Regency, on Saturday (December 13, 2025).
This activity is part of the National Strategic Program aimed at strengthening food security and achieving rice self-sufficiency in Papua. The total land area planned for cultivation reaches 640 hectares.
In his speech, Governor Fakhiri emphasized that Papua has great potential to attain rice self-sufficiency. He mentioned that from the national target of 50,000 hectares, Papua only needs about 5,000 to 20,000 hectares of productive land to meet the local rice needs independently.
“With just 20,000 hectares, Papua can already achieve rice self-sufficiency. This is a significant challenge and a great responsibility, especially for regents and mayors,” said Governor Fakhiri.
He also stressed that agricultural development should not be concentrated in a single area but must be evenly distributed across all villages so that the benefits can be directly felt by local communities.
In addition to focusing on rice development, Governor Fakhiri encouraged diversification of agricultural and fisheries commodities, such as coffee, coconuts, shrimp, fish, and other high-value plantation crops. This step aims to strengthen the local economy and improve community welfare.
The Governor highlighted the importance of downstream processing in the agricultural sector, including the construction of rice mills and processing industries within the region. The goal is to process harvests locally in Papua, adding value and creating job opportunities for local residents.
“Factories should be built in producing districts so that the benefits are directly felt by the people. When the community prospers, districts and cities will grow, and the province will also become stronger,” he asserted.
During the event, Fakhiri also reminded government officials to work professionally, responsibly, and avoid misusing state funds.
“Development must be people-centered and involve local communities through labor-intensive programs,” he said.
He further stated that government assistance should be provided in the form of production tools, not instant aid in rice, so that communities can become self-reliant and maintain their dignity.
“Don’t give rice, but give tools like hoes and fishing hooks so that people can be independent and dignified,” he emphasized.
The Governor hopes that Tetom Jaya Village can serve as a model for integrated agricultural development in Papua. He also called on all elements of society, including traditional leaders, religious figures, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), and local government, to support agricultural and plantation development as the foundation of Papua’s economy moving forward.
“Engagement of local communities in every development program is essential so that progress is sustainable and benefits future generations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarmi Regent, Dominggus Catue, expressed the readiness of the local government to fully support the programs initiated by the Papua Provincial Government and the central government.
“We are committed to improving the welfare of all Sarmi residents. With the support of the government, today we begin the inaugural planting of rice paddies as a concrete step toward prosperity,” he said. (bat)
