Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government, in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, is accelerating the implementation of the 2026 Community Rice Field Development Program (CSR) as part of a broader effort to enhance national food security while improving local livelihoods through the agricultural sector.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a coordination meeting involving central and regional government officials, as well as construction partners responsible for implementing the program. The meeting served as an important step in ensuring that all phases of the project are carried out effectively and deliver long-term benefits to local communities.
Director General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hermanto, stated that contractual preparations have been completed and the program has now entered the field implementation stage in several designated locations.
According to Hermanto, the success of the initiative should not be measured solely by the amount of land converted into productive rice fields, but also by the active participation of local communities throughout the process. Therefore, farmers, farmer groups, and local residents are encouraged to play a leading role in the implementation of the program.
“This initiative is expected to create productive agricultural land that can be sustainably utilized by local communities, resulting in increased harvests and improved welfare for farmers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri emphasized that the Community Rice Field Development Program is one of the government’s strategic priorities aimed at strengthening food security and expanding agricultural development across the region.
He noted that the commencement of field activities reflects the government’s strong commitment to implementing agricultural development programs that support national food security objectives. The program, he said, also provides an opportunity for Papua to maximize its agricultural potential and utilize available land resources more effectively.
Fakhiri stressed that the implementation of the program must continue to respect the rights of indigenous communities while preserving local cultural values and traditions. He expressed hope that Indigenous Papuans would become the primary beneficiaries and key participants in the initiative.
“Agricultural development must provide broad opportunities for local communities to actively participate. In this way, the economic benefits generated by the program can be directly enjoyed by the people living in the surrounding areas,” he said.
The Governor also encouraged regency, district, and village leaders to continue educating and motivating residents about the importance of agriculture as a sustainable source of income and economic growth. He believes that greater community participation in agriculture will contribute significantly to household welfare and regional food self-sufficiency.
The Community Rice Field Development Program in Papua is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including the expansion of agricultural land, increased food production, job creation, and stronger regional and national food security. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for community-based agricultural development that integrates local wisdom and indigenous participation throughout Indonesia.
