JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government is encouraging farmers to no longer depend on brokers in marketing their agricultural products. Local governments are being directed to become the main support system in guaranteeing market certainty for farmers.

Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri said the government must be present in the agricultural distribution chain so that farmers can receive fairer prices.

"The government should be the place to rely on, no longer the broker," Fakhiri said during a rice planting event in Jayapura Regency on Saturday (March 28, 2026).

According to him, various agricultural programs are being prepared to make access easier for farmers, ranging from production facilities to marketing support.

"All of that access is provided free of charge. The government is here for that," he said.

He stressed that this step is part of efforts to strengthen the community's agriculture-based economy, so that production results can provide direct benefits to farmers.

The Papua Provincial Government hopes that with this support, farmers will have a stronger position in the distribution chain and no longer depend on intermediaries. ***