JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government has begun its first rice planting as part of the 2025 rice field development program. This step is a concrete effort by the regional government to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on supplies from outside Papua.

The initial planting was carried out in Muara Tami District, Jayapura City, on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The location is one of four rice field development areas prepared by the Papua Provincial Government this year.

Head of the Papua Provincial Food Crops, Horticulture, and Food Agency, Lunanka V.M.L. Daimboa, said that Jayapura City has been allocated 100 hectares for rice field development. With the planting now underway, the area has been declared ready to support the expansion of rice farming.

"Today's initial planting marks Jayapura City's readiness to manage 100 hectares of newly developed rice fields in Muara Tami," Lunanka said.

She explained that overall, the Papua Provincial Government is targeting the development of up to 30,000 hectares of rice fields. This target is part of the region's strategic agenda to promote food self-sufficiency.

According to her, strengthening the food agriculture sector is an important foundation for Papua's future development. "Papua is being directed to advance toward food self-sufficiency, and even toward food sovereignty," she said.

Through this rice field development program, the Papua Provincial Government hopes that local rice production will continue to increase, while also creating economic opportunities for communities in agricultural areas. ***