Government to Expand Rice Paddy Printing Program in Papua
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono said that the rice paddy printing program in the Papua region would target a number of regencies, so that it was no longer concentrated in one point.
In fact, Sudaryono revealed that discussions on this rice field expansion program have also involved local governments. The main focus is to strengthen local food production to meet the needs of the Papuan people.
"Kementan is now starting to print rice fields in Papua. In the districts of Papua. So there are several regents, we have a meeting of all Papua, West Papua, West Papua, Papua Mountains and others, all of them, gather and we focus on food fulfillment in the land of Papua," he said at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Office, Jakarta, Monday, January 12.
Sudaryono said that the development of rice paddies was also carried out based on proposals from each local government. He said that the land area also varied and would be adjusted to the conditions and needs of each district.
"There are districts that propose 3,000 hectares, some 5,000 hectares, even up to 10,000 hectares. That follows the proposal from the district government," he explained.
In addition, Sudaryono said that the high food prices in Papua were caused by expensive distribution costs.
"Expensive is not because there are people who are expensive, but because there are transportation costs, distribution costs, and expensive costs," he said.
Therefore, Sudaryono said the rice paddy printing program in Papua is one of the government's strategies to strengthen food security in areas that have always depended on supplies from other islands.
In 2025, continued Sudaryono, the rice paddy printing program has been running in Central Kalimantan, South Sumatra, and South Kalimantan.
"What is heard loudly is in Merauke, but actually Merauke is a large part, but we also have fulfillment of how districts, regions that are difficult to feed must be transported from other islands, it can meet food needs, it is important," he said.