Synchronised Maize Planting in Padang Pariaman: Dormant Land Activated After 30 Years
JAKARTA — A synchronised maize planting initiative for the first quarter of 2026 took place at the Posko Farm Panen Mekar Tani, Tapakis, in Ulakan Tapakis District, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
The activity forms part of the Synchronised Maize Planting programme initiated by Indonesian National Police Headquarters and implemented across various regions throughout Indonesia. In West Sumatra, the initiative received support from fintech company MEKAR through its Paten Mekar Tani programme.
“Food security is one of the important foundations for the strength and self-reliance of a nation. Through synergy between government, authorities, business actors, and communities, we can collectively strengthen the agricultural sector whilst improving community welfare,” said Pandu in a press statement on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Pandu explained that the land used for maize planting had previously been unproductive for more than three decades. The land was originally damaged and overgrown with vegetation, making it unsuitable for agricultural activities over an extended period.
He added that agricultural sector development does not only focus on increasing food production, but also considers the social and environmental impacts of such activities. “We want to encourage improved community welfare, particularly for farmers, whilst ensuring that agricultural development maintains balance with the environment,” he said.
MEKAR has been known as a platform actively promoting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those run by women. Through the Paten Mekar Tani programme, MEKAR develops various initiatives aimed at optimising agricultural sector potential whilst promoting real sector growth in the regions.
The programme is also considered to have potential in opening employment opportunities and increasing labour absorption for local communities as agricultural activity develops in the Padang Pariaman area. These efforts are further strengthened through the development of the MEKAR Ecosystem, which connects various business actors within a single economic ecosystem.
“Going forward, what we want to encourage is not only increased agricultural production, but also the development of a sustainable economic ecosystem through the MEKAR Ecosystem, where every party can support and strengthen one another,” Pandu said.
The synchronised maize planting programme being implemented in Padang Pariaman forms part of a series of national activities aimed at increasing agricultural commodity production whilst optimising the use of land that has previously remained unproductive.