Papua Provincial Government Builds Integrated Sago Processing Industry Ecosystem from Upstream to Downstream

The Papua Provincial Government is strengthening regional food self-sufficiency based on local potential through the development of an integrated sago processing industry ecosystem from upstream to downstream areas. Deputy Governor Aryoko F. Rumaropen stated that the sago commodity has significant potential to maintain regional food security while providing added economic value for the welfare of the community. ‘Therefore, I request the relevant agencies to develop this regional superior commodity, such as sago,’ he said. According to Aryoko, achieving local self-sufficiency requires cooperation from all parties, including all Regional Apparatus Organisations and the active involvement of culinary business players. ‘On Monday, we held a meeting with local Papuan culinary entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges they face,’ he noted. The meeting also addressed strategic steps for sago management with local culinary activist Charles Toto. ‘To realise local food self-sufficiency, we must start from the upstream sector by involving the Forestry Service and the Agriculture Service, which are responsible for preserving sago forest areas, providing superior seedlings, and improving sustainable cultivation and modern harvesting techniques,’ he added. He further explained that downstream efforts are overseen by the Industry and Trade Service together with the Cooperatives and SMEs Service to facilitate post-harvest processing, improve commercial packaging quality, ensure business licensing legality, and expand market access networks. ‘Therefore, we are committed to drafting a roadmap for the development of the local food industry, which will serve as a shared reference so that processed foods have higher economic value,’ he said.