JAKARTA - The Wardhana Nawasena Network Foundation launched a documentary titled "Wanam: Planting the Future in Papua" in an activity held in the Blok M area, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Thursday, July 9.
The film tells the story of the transformation of the Wanam area in Merauke Regency, South Papua, which is projected to become one of the centers for developing national food security.
The film launch also featured a number of speakers, including Prof. Yudi Latif and Wardhana Nawasena Network Foundation Founder, Dean Ramella. This activity became a discussion space regarding the future of Papua, national development, and the importance of information literacy in the digital era.
Prof. Yudi Latif assessed that Papua has historical, ecological, and geopolitical values that are very important for Indonesia and the world. Papua's biological wealth and natural resources are strategic assets that must be managed wisely.
"Papua has extraordinary natural wealth and is a concern of the world. The uniqueness of flora, fauna, and its potential energy resources are an important part of Indonesia's future," said Yudi Latif.
Meanwhile, Dean Ramella highlighted the influence of social media in shaping public perceptions of various strategic national issues. According to him, the development of information technology presents both opportunities and challenges for the public in filtering information.
He said that Indonesia's dream to achieve food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency, and technology mastery will always be faced with various dynamics, including the emergence of various narratives that are developing in the digital space.
"When Indonesia strives to achieve independence through food and energy self-sufficiency, there will always be challenges. Therefore, the public needs to have the ability to sort out information so that they are not easily influenced by narratives that are not necessarily verified," he said.
Dean added, social media has now become an information battle space that is capable of quickly shaping public opinion. Therefore, the public is expected to be more critical in accepting every circulating information.
Wanam Documentary Records the Transformation of South Papua
The documentary film *"Wanam: Planting the Future in Papua"* tells the story of the major changes that have taken place in the Ilwayab District, Merauke Regency, South Papua. The area, which was previously known as a stretch of swamp, wetland, and an area with limited transportation access, is now beginning to develop into a strategic area for the development of national food.
The documentary describes how development is carried out through the opening of road access, the development of irrigation systems, drainage management, to the implementation of modern agricultural technology that is adapted to the characteristics of swampy land.
The transformation is part of the national food development program which is included in the National Strategic Project (PSN), with the aim of strengthening Indonesia's food security amid increasing food needs, climate change, and global geopolitical challenges.
The film also shows the long process of construction involving various elements, ranging from technical personnel, field workers, central government, local government, to local communities.
Papuan People are Encouraged to Become Development Actors
In addition to showcasing the development of agricultural infrastructure, this documentary also highlights the involvement of indigenous people and local residents in the development process of the Wanam area.
Various job opportunities have opened up through the construction of production roads, land processing, to other supporting services. Community economic activities are slowly increasing as the area develops.
This film emphasizes that development is not only oriented towards increasing food production, but is also expected to be able to create community welfare, create jobs, expand access to education and health services, and still maintain the cultural values and local wisdom of Papua.
Symbol of Hope for the Future of Food Security
The documentary reaches its peak when it shows the rice harvest process in the Wanam area in 2025. The moment is described as a symbol of the success of the transformation of a swamp area into productive agricultural land through planned management.
For local people, the harvest is not just a production result, but an emblem of the birth of new hope for the future of the economy, employment opportunities, and sustainable development in Papua.
Through the film *"Wanam: Menanam Masa Depan di Tanah Papua"*, the Wardhana Nawasena Network Foundation hopes that the public will get a more complete picture of the dynamics of development in Papua as well as increase awareness of the importance of digital literacy and responsible use of social media.
This documentary also invites the public to see Papua not only as a region with great natural wealth, but as an important part of Indonesia's future food security and development.
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