Malinau's PESAT Programme Creates Jobs and Strengthens Food Security

The Healthy Agriculture Programme (PESAT) initiated by Malinau Regent Wempi W. Mawa is not only strengthening food security but also creating employment opportunities. Regent Wempi explained that the programme generates jobs for the people of Malinau Regency by recruiting them as PESAT task force members. Currently, there are around 380 active PESAT task force members involved in agricultural activities, achieving a rice production of 36,828 kilogrammes and maize production of 8,610 kilogrammes. “We recruit and select these task force members from the youth or residents of Malinau Regency who are interested in joining. We recruit them and provide an income,” Regent Wempi stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. Beyond job creation, the PESAT task force also educates and trains the younger generation in Malinau Regency to innovate with technology. “So that they have good skills and experience, enabling them to be independent and self-reliant,” he said. Regent Wempi noted that the task force works on lands spread across sub-districts and villages, making them automatic locomotives and inspirators for the local community. “Thus, they simultaneously transfer knowledge or gain new knowledge that is implemented in the PESAT task force,” he remarked. Regent Wempi stressed that the task force does not focus on just one sector. “Some plant rice, some plant maize, and while waiting for the rice harvest, some plant chillies. We enhance their productivity so they do not depend on a single commodity but are encouraged to produce other commodities that can be grown in our country.” He added that health education is also provided to the task force, ensuring that if they choose to become independent, they understand not only agriculture but also health and economic factors. “We ensure that if they wish to become independent and leave the task force, all of this becomes capital for their family’s welfare,” he said.