President Jokowi: Fertilizer Industry in Papua Can Achieve National Food Sovereignty

President Jokowi after attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Strategic Project (PSN) of Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Zone in Fakfak regency, West Papua province, on Thursday (11/23)

The development of fertilizer industry in Papua province is one of Indonesia’s strategies to achieve national food sovereignty.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Strategic Project (PSN) of Fakfak Fertilizer Industrial Zone on Thursday (11/23) in Fakfak regency, West Papua province.

“Our population is nearly 280 million people. Thus, we must be self-reliant, independent, and truly sovereign in terms of food,” the President said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi said that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought significant impacts to Indonesia considering that Indonesia imported 30 percent of wheat from the two countries.

To that end, food sovereignty must be achieved so that Indonesia can be self-reliant and independent, he added.

“In the process, fertilizers play a crucial role. Every time I visit villages, paddy fields, fertilizers scarcity is often complained by farmers. This is something we must promptly address,” he said, adding that food issue is not merely about meeting the need for rice but also about enhancing the productivity of the cultivated crops.

“Therefore, it becomes a crucial aspect because fertilizers will enhance the productivity of the cultivated crops including rice, sugarcane, and corn — all of them require fertilizers,” he added.

President Jokowi also underscored that it is also a great opportunity for Papuan youth to contribute to develop the industry. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AP/RAS/EP)