Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Groundberaking of National Strategic Project of Fakfak Fertilizer Indusrial Zone, Fakfak Regency, West Papua Province, November 23, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):           

Yes, we realize threat of global food crisis, the world food crisis is absolutely real and has already happened. Therefore, we must have a country’s grand strategy on achieving food sovereignty, food self-sufficiency. It’s more than just about rice, sugar, soybeans and corn, and other things that we actually still depend on from other countries.

Accordingly, this is a very important part as fertilizer will increase the productivity of the crop we are cultivating such as rice, sugar cane, or corn. And, indeed, the eastern part of Indonesia does not have a fertilizer industry yet. Thus, to be more efficient in transportation, one must be built here, so that the farmers can get the cheaper prices. I think that’s it.

Reporter:

What is your message to the Papuan generations with the presence of this factory in Fakfak Regency?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, human resources in Papua should be able to adapt to the development of existing industry needs. If there is a fertilizer industry, then there will be a food estate area, everything will adjust. So don’t let the supply of human resources be out of sync with the needs that exist in the industry and in the field. Admittedly, it should be balance. I think this is a good opportunity for young human resources in Papua to participate in building their own fertilizer industry, okay.

Reporter:

Thank you, Sir.

(RY/MUR)