Merauke PSN to boost Papua's food self-sufficiency: Minister

Sentani (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Merauke, South Papua, is expected to become a food production hub to meet regional needs and strengthen Papua's food self-sufficiency.

"The project in Merauke is expected to become a food production center capable of meeting the food needs of the people in Papua," Hasan said in Sentani, Papua, on Tuesday.

According to him, the project aims not only to increase food production but also to develop renewable energy, with a target of establishing around one million hectares of rice fields and producing B50 biodiesel.

"If the project proceeds as planned, Papua will be able to meet its own demand for rice, fish, and diesel fuel, eliminating the need to bring in supplies from other regions," Hasan said.

He noted that as food production in South Papua continues to increase, the province will not only be able to meet its own needs but also supply other parts of eastern Indonesia.

"If there is a food surplus, Papua will be able to help meet food demand in Maluku and other regions in eastern Indonesia," he said.

He also called on the people of Papua to support the implementation of the National Strategic Project in Merauke so it can be completed as soon as possible, enabling the region to achieve greater food security.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Arie Novarina

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