Kodaeral X partners with 25 farmers to plant soybeans in Arso, near RI-PNG border

The Indonesian Navy’s Kodaeral X command has partnered with 25 indigenous Papuan farmers in a soybean planting programme in Arso, Keerom Regency, near the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border. The soybean cultivation, carried out on 20 hectares of land, is part of a national food security programme. The activity began with a social service event providing health checks and basic food packages. Kodaeral X Commander Major General (Marine) Sugianto stated that this initiative is a tangible commitment by Kodaeral X to support the government’s strategic programmes, not only in defence but also in national development, improving community welfare, and strengthening food security in Papua. One of the farmers, Julius Fatagur, expressed his delight at being involved in the activity, noting that they had previously faced difficulties in clearing land for planting. He also expressed hope that agricultural extension workers would provide ongoing assistance, as this is the first time they have planted soybeans. ‘With assistance from agricultural extension workers, we hope soybean production will be abundant,’ said Julius Fatagur.