SARMI — The Papua Provincial Government handed over production facility assistance to two forest farmer groups in Sarmi Regency as support for the management of forest products and community empowerment.

The assistance was handed over by Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri at the Sarmi Regency Forestry Service Unit Office on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The two recipient groups were the Holmafen Permai Forest Farmer Group and the Fasi Forest Farmer Group from Niwerawar Village, West Coast District.

The assistance provided included work equipment and a non-timber forest product production house to support the farmer groups' activities.

Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri said that Sarmi's forest product potential needs to be managed directly in the region to provide added value for local communities.

"Whatever timber products are produced should not be taken outside the region, but should all be processed here," he said.

According to him, the development of the forestry sector needs to be supported by strengthening local industries and cross-government coordination so that programs run in accordance with forest area regulations.

Fakhiri also said Sarmi has great potential in agriculture, plantations, fisheries, and forestry, which can support regional economic growth.

The Papua Provincial Government hopes the assistance will increase the productivity of farmer groups while supporting the development of a community economy based on local potential. ***