HKTI: Papua Plays Important Role in Strengthening National Food Security

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers’ Association (HKTI) for Papua Province, Yanni, stated that Papua has an important role in strengthening national food security. “The agricultural potential of this region must be transformed into a production force capable of supporting food needs while improving the welfare of farmers,” he said in a press release received by Antara in Jayapura on Sunday. According to Yanni, Indonesia’s success in achieving rice self-sufficiency during nearly a year of President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership is proof that the agricultural sector can develop rapidly when given proper attention and the right policies. “This success must become an energy source for all regions, including Papua, particularly Biak Numfor Regency. National food security cannot rely solely on regions that have traditionally been production centres; Biak must also take part,” he stated. He explained that food commodities are developing in various regions, and the challenge that must be addressed is how to increase farmer productivity through the provision of production inputs, mentoring, and market certainty. “Production will not increase if farmers struggle to obtain fertiliser, seeds, or other basic necessities. These issues must be resolved first so that farmers can work calmly and their harvest yields can improve,” he added. He added that Biak Numfor Regency has the opportunity to become one of the food production areas in Papua; therefore, this potential needs to be managed more seriously to provide economic value for the community while strengthening regional food security. In this regard, the association believes that indigenous Papuan (OAP) farmers must become actors in food security, as Papua has fertile land. What is needed now is to increase the capacity of farmers to manage this potential productively.