National Strategic Projects Promote Food Independence and Local Economy in Mountainous Papua
Papua – The government continues to accelerate the implementation of National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Papua as part of a broader agenda for equitable development and strengthening community welfare. In Mountainous Papua, the food sector PSN is one of the state’s main instruments for building local economic independence, strengthening food security, and creating jobs for the local community.
The Mountainous Papua Provincial Government ensures that the PSN acceleration is proceeding smoothly, including the clearing of 800 hectares of rice fields in the Tulem area, Witawaya District, Jayawijaya Regency. The Deputy Governor of Mountainous Papua, Ones Pahabol, assessed that the area holds a strategic position as the center of economic activity in Wamena City, making it suitable for development as a new food production center and inclusion in the PSN.
“We have directly observed the readiness for land clearing in Tulem and several other areas. Overall, Jayawijaya is targeted to have around 2,000 hectares of rice fields spread across several districts, all designed as part of the PSN,” said Ones Pahabol.
He emphasized that this program represents the government’s commitment to reviving the farming traditions of the mountain communities that once made Wamena a rice granary. “Around sixty years ago, Wamena was known as a rice producer. We are reviving that spirit so that Mountainous Papua has a strong and sustainable rice supply,” he said.
The narrative of state support is also emphasized through an inclusive land management scheme. The government ensures that the land remains community property, while the state acts as a facilitator of economic development.
“This is purely for the benefit of the people, without any political interests. The government is simply borrowing land for the common good,” said Ones Pahabol.
Head of the Mountainous Papua Agriculture Service, Petrus Wenda, also expressed his support for the National Strategic Program (PSN). He considered the food sector PSN to be a crucial foundation for building regional independence. “PSN provides budget certainty, technical assistance, and program sustainability. This is not a short-term project, but a long-term investment for the welfare of the people of Mountainous Papua,” he said.
In addition to food security, PSN also creates a multiplier economic impact. The process of land clearing and rice field management employs local labor, including young Papuans. “Young people are being involved as heavy equipment operators and field workers. In the future, they can become skilled workers supporting development in other districts,” said Petrus.
The local government is targeting accelerated land clearing so that rice planting can be carried out immediately by farmer groups. This acceleration is deemed crucial so that the benefits of the National Strategic Project (PSN) can be felt immediately by the community.
The PSN in Highlands Papua reflects an active, measured, and supportive state presence that addresses the basic needs of the people. Through synergy between the central and regional governments, the PSN not only builds infrastructure but also fosters hope, independence, and a more prosperous future for Papua within the framework of equitable national development.
