VP supports Asmat sago school to boost local food

Timika, Central Papua (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has said the government supports efforts to strengthen local food commodities in regions, including Papua, citing the Sago Field School in Agats Sub-district of Asmat District, South Papua, as an example.

Speaking on the sidelines of his working visit to Asmat District on Sunday, the Vice President expressed the Indonesian government is ready to collaborate with community and religious leaders to ensure the smooth implementation of food development programs.

"Today, we observed the process at the Sago Field School. I believe this is a very good initiative and deserves support," he said.

The Asmat Sago Field School is a sago development initiative carried out through a culture based approach and the empowerment of local communities.

Referring to his attendance at the opening of the 17th National Farmers and Fishers Week (PENAS XVII) in Gorontalo on Saturday (June 20), Gibran emphasized that strengthening local commodities as a community food source has become increasingly important.

Efforts to bolster local commodities, says Gibran, have been carried out for a long time, not only by the government but also by organizations at grassroots organizations, including church organizations in Asmat.

"It is the government's duty to amplify this and perhaps replicate it in other regions," he stated.

During his inspection of the Sago Field School, Gibran observed the sago-production process carried out by members of the indigenous Asmat community and distributed school supplies to local children.

Currently, the facility spans around six hectares and is managed collaboratively by the Agats Diocese and the local government.

In addition to serving as a center for sago learning and development, the site is also designed to strengthen the processing of value-added sago derivative products for the benefit the local communities.

Related news: VP Gibran pledges upgrade of Asmat Hospital to type C

Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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