Riani Sanusi Putri, Jakarta – The Ministry of Agriculture has expanded its paddy field expansion program to several regencies across Papua. The initiative is no longer concentrated solely in Merauke, but now includes West Papua, Southwest Papua, the Papua Mountains, and other surrounding regions.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that this expansion is being carried out to strengthen local food security and reduce the region's long-standing dependence on supplies from outside the territory. "[The goal is to ensure] these food-vulnerable regions do not have to rely on shipments from other islands," he noted.
According to Sudaryono, the government is currently reviewing proposals from various regencies regarding the specific scale of the new agricultural land. These proposals vary, with requested areas ranging from dozens to thousands of hectares per regency.
The paddy field expansion program is currently awaiting the finalization of technical regulations before it can reach full implementation. However, Sudaryono emphasized that the process will be accelerated. "[We aim to begin] as soon as possible," he added.
Previously, Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri set a target to develop 5,380 hectares of new paddy fields by 2026. He described the policy as a strategic effort to bolster food resilience and support self-sufficiency by leveraging Papua's local geographical potential.
"The paddy field expansion program is part of the National Strategic Project (PSN) launched by the central government through the Ministry of Agriculture," Fakhiri stated, as reported by Antara on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Fakhiri viewed the program as a concrete step toward ending the region's reliance on external food sources. As of 2025, the development of 640 hectares of paddy fields has already been realized in the Bonggo District of Sarmi Regency.
Fakhiri further stated that the expansion program serves as the foundational step for developing major agricultural hubs in Papua. Consequently, the initiative will continue throughout 2026. The government intends to ensure optimal results through technical assistance, the provision of modern agricultural machinery and supplies, and the reinforcement of post-harvest systems.
He explained that by 2027, Papua is projected to transform into a regional food granary. The vision is for the province to serve not only its own residents but also to act as a primary food buffer for provinces across the entire Papuan landmass.
"We project that Papua will not only be able to fulfill its own food needs, but also become a vital food stabilizer for other regions in Papua," he concluded.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2079876/agriculture-ministry-expands-rice-field-program-to-papu