Korem 172 and Bulog Develop the Potential of the Agricultural Sector in Papua to Realize Food Security

In an effort to increase self-sufficiency and food security, Danrem 172 / PWY Brigadier General Izak Pangemanan together with the Head of Perum Bulog Kanwil Papua and West Papua, Sopran Kenedi discussed the potential development of the agricultural sector in the Papua region.

This was conveyed by the Head of Information for Korem (Kapenrem) 172 / PWY, Major Chk Eka Yudha Kurniawan, S.H., in a written release in Abepura, Jayapura City, Papua, Friday (7/8/2020).

Kapenrem revealed that the visit of the Head of Perum Bolog Papua and West Papua last Wednesday, apart from visiting Danrem and Korem 172 / PWY officials, also cooperated in developing regional potential for the agricultural sector.

"Papua is a large area for the development of the agricultural sector, with close cooperation we will be able to make it one of the national rice granary areas," he said.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Head of Perum Bulog, Danrem 172 / PWY Brigadier General TNI Izak Pangemanan said that Papua is one of the regions that has rich and wide enough potential to be used as a food producing area, especially the agricultural sector so that it can supply the region. in Indonesia.

"Like the Mamberamo area, where the area has flat terrain and abundant water, and the land they own is quite extensive. So the first step that needs to be done is socialization to the community, "he explained.

With an integrated socialization and understanding to the community about the potential of the area plus the assistance from the Government in the form of Alsintan for farmer groups, it will be possible to develop modern agriculture to improve the welfare of farmers.

"Besides that, it will also attract the interest of the young Papuan generation to jump into cultivating their land and not only expect to become civil servants," he said.

"This is one of the potentials that we are developing so that people can feel the presence of the state here. The TNI cannot do efforts in overcoming the conflict alone. One of the roles of Bulog is needed, "explained the top Korem leader.

His side also strives to ensure that farmers in Papua are not from outside Papua but are native Papuan children, so that little by little more and more sectors will be able to absorb labor.

"If an agricultural sector is developed, it will open up other sectors such as livestock, plantations and others because there are many things we can use from agriculture to support the establishment of other food sectors," he said.

A similar sentiment was conveyed by the Head of Perum Bulog at the Papua and West Papua Regional Offices, Sopran Kenedi, that the results of the meeting would be reported to the Central Government so that it could be followed up immediately.

"Papua is a region that has considerable potential in agriculture, such as Merauke, which we have been able to use from its rice harvest to fulfill stocks in Papua and West Papua Provinces," he said.

He continued again, but there are still obstacles faced by Bulog itself and the farmers that must continue to be provided assistance.

"So that what is suggested by Mr. Danrem will be Bulog's material to the Central Government for the fulfillment of assistance to farmers in the Korem 172 / PWY area and we will continue to establish this communication well," said Sopran Kenedi.

He hopes that there will be a follow-up in the future, not only with Bulog but together with all related stakeholders, so that what is desired together for food security in Papua can be realized.