President Prabowo Inspects Rice Harvest in Merauke, S. Papua Province

President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, visits Telaga Sari village in Kurik district, Merauke regency, South Papua province, Sunday (11/03). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

As part of the national food self-sufficiency program development, President Prabowo Subianto, Sunday (11/03), inspected the rice planting and harvest process in Telaga Sari village, Kurik district, Merauke regency, South Papua province.

The President spoke with farmers who were planting rice. Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, he observed the farmers as they harvested rice with a modern tool known as a combine harvester. The President even used the combine harvester himself to harvest the rice.

On that occasion, the President warmly greeted the local residents who came out to welcome him. The visit was met with positive feedback, as local residents expressed their appreciation for the Government’s agricultural program and support.

“I am thankful for the program offered to us farmers in Merauke. It has greatly enhanced our harvest,” stated Petrus, a farmer from Telaga Sari village. He added that thanks to the Government’s support for land expansion, their harvest has increased significantly, rising from 2 tons to 7-8 tons of unhusked rice.

Meanwhile, Diaz, a university student studying modern agriculture, expressed hope that the agriculture sector in Indonesia, especially in Merauke, will become more advanced with adequate modern tools.

“I am studying modern agriculture. I am grateful that the area here is ideal for rice cultivation thanks to its flat and even terrain. It is great for supporting Indonesia’s food supply,” Diaz remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (DH/LW)