Gov’t Kicks Off Development of Fertilizer Industrial Zone in West Papua

President Jokowi leads the groundbreaking ceremony of Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Zone in Fakfak regency, West Papua province, Thursday (11/23). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)

The Government has officially begun the development of Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Zone, one of the national strategic projects, in Fakfak regency, West Papua province.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday (11/23).

“For 40 years, we have had five fertilizer industries, which are all in western Indonesia. There is none in the eastern part,” he said, adding that the zone is developed so that eastern Indonesia has its worn fertilizer industry.

According to the President, Fakfak was chosen as the location because it is close to the source of gas supply and will be able to support the development of food estate in Papua.

“If it is not backed up by the fertilizer industry, it will be tough. Therefore, this is part of a grand plan. They support each other. We hope Papua will thrive and prosper,” he said, adding that the fertilizer industrial zone will be able to meet the needs for fertilizers in eastern Indonesian regions, such as Maluku and North Maluku.

“Some of [the fertilizers] can also be exported because it is nearer to Australia as it also imports some from us and some from other countries,” he said while urging that the zone development be finished in 2038.

President Jokowi pointed out that the development of Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Zone is a huge project with investment of approximately 30 trillion rupiahs.

The President also expressed hope that the fertilizer industry can have a production capacity of 1.15 million tons of urea and 825,000 tons of ammonia fertilizer each year. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (DH/LW)