Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Andi Amran Sulaiman, conducted a working visit to Waninggap Kai Village, Semangga District, Merauke Regency, on Saturday (4/7/2026). During the visit, the Minister directly observed significant progress from the People's Rice Field Creation Program, which has transformed the agricultural landscape of South Papua through the adoption of the latest technology.
The main highlight of the inspection was the proficiency of native Merauke farmers in operating high-tech agricultural machinery and equipment (alsintan). Without outside assistance, local farmers are now able to independently control drones for fertilization and use rice transplanter machines for rice cultivation.
According to Andi Amran Sulaiman, this success stems from the government's commitment to providing guidance and production support. He shared optimistic data showing that local community income has reportedly increased by up to 300 percent since participating in the program. The Minister emphasized that all managed land belongs to the community, with the government serving as a facilitator for productivity development.
The Ministry of Agriculture also provided massive support in the form of infrastructure and machinery assistance, including hundreds of two- and four-wheeled tractors, dozens of combine harvester units, agricultural drones, as well as millions of kilograms of fertilizer and pesticides. This step was taken to ensure the accelerated and efficient mechanization of agriculture in the South Papua region.
Head of the Agricultural Human Resources Development and Extension Agency (BPPSDMP), Idha Widi Arsanti, added that the role of agricultural extension workers and the Food Brigade is crucial as agents of change. Adaptive innovation and guidance regarding technology are key to ensuring farmers remain competitive, positioning Merauke as a main pillar of the national food basket in the future.
