Merauke - President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, accompanied by Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, planted the first sugarcane in the framework of downstream sugarcane plantation, sugar factory, and bioethanol project in Sermayam Indah Village, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province on Tuesday afternoon (23/7). The President and his entourage arrived at Mopah Airport, Merauke Regency after attending the National Children's Day summit in Jayapura City which was held in the morning on the same day.
The sugar self-sufficiency project is one of the government's strategic initiatives to support national food security and increase renewable energy production. On an area of 633,763 hectares (ha), the development of Cluster 3 for PSN integrated sugarcane plantations is carried out by 9 business entities.
"Everything has been scientifically undertaken if you look at the flat field, water is also abundant, I think it is indeed an opportunity to make Indonesia a food barn in Merauke and its surroundings. Be it rice, corn, or sugarcane. Sugarcane and corn can later be used for sugar and bioethanol," President Jokowi said optimistically.
Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia as Chairman of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Sugar and Bioethanol Self-Sufficiency in Merauke Regency, South Papua Province stated that President Jokowi's visit shows the government's serious attention so that food and energy security programs in the country continue to run.
"The government's target in 2027 is for sugar production to reach 3 million tons per year. This means that Indonesia can fulfill its own needs. We are self-sufficient in sugar. No longer dependent on other countries," Bahlil said.
Bahlil also appreciated the support given by the government, both provincial and district, so that this project could be quickly realized. Bahlil also reminded the importance of the role of local governments to encourage the involvement of local entrepreneurs and people in the vicinity in order to benefit from economic improvement in the region.
"I am happy to see the current development of the project, of course this cannot be separated from the support of Mr. Act. Governor (of South Papua Province) and the Regent. We also entrust you to oversee that local people and local entrepreneurs are involved in this project. There must be a symbiotic mutualism between plasma and core. That's what's important!" Bahlil added.
The field progress of the National Strategic Project integrated sugarcane plantation preparation in Cluster 3 includes 600 ha of ready-to-plant land, 1,500 ha of land clearing process, as well as road infrastructure development and mechanization. PT Global Papua Abadi, one of the business entities in the area, cooperates with the Indonesian Sugar Plantation Research Center (P3GI) and collaborates with Sugar Research Australia (SRA) in providing superior seeds from within the country. The total investment plan for PSN integrated sugarcane plantations in Cluster 3 in Merauke, South Papua, is USD5.62 billion (IDR83.27 trillion).