JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government is promoting stronger food security through the development of agricultural land and support for farmers' production facilities. The effort was marked by the first rice planting in Swentab Village, Kemtuk Gresi District, Jayapura Regency, on Saturday (March 28, 2026).

Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri personally carried out the rice planting and at the same time, handed over 43 units of agricultural equipment and machinery (alsintan) to farmers.

"My presence in Swentab Village is for the first rice planting as well as the distribution of agricultural equipment," Fakhiri said.

The initial planting phase was carried out on two hectares of land and will later be expanded to 50 hectares. The regional government is targeting the area to become one of Papua's food production centers.

According to the Governor, the agricultural machinery assistance is expected to increase farmers' productivity and encourage the optimal use of agricultural land.

He also invited the community to continue developing the agricultural sector as part of efforts to strengthen food self-sufficiency in Papua. ***