Government Strengthens Local Food Commodities Across Papua  

Timika: The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen local food commodities across Papua, including in the Sago Field School in Agats District, Asmat Regency, and South Papua.

The government is prepared to work closely with community and religious leaders to ensure the successful implementation of these programs.
 
“Today we observed firsthand the process at the Sago Field School. I believe it to be an excellent initiative that deserves our support,” expressed Vice President Gibran Rakabuming in Asmat Regency, as reported by Antara, Sunday, June 21, 2026.
 
The Asmat Sago Field School is a sago development site that combines a culture-based approach with community empowerment. Referring to his attendance at the opening of the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen Week (Penas) 2026 in Gorontalo on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Vice President stressed the growing importance of strengthening local food commodities as a means of ensuring food security.
 
Such efforts have been underway for quite some time, driven not only by the government, but also by grassroots organizations, including church organizations in the Asmat region.
 
“It is the government's responsibility to amplify this (these efforts), and to perhaps replicate them in other regions,” Gibran remarked.
 
During his visit to the Sago Field School, the Vice President observed the sago-making process carried out by members of the Indigenous Asmat community. He also distributed school supplies to local children. The Asmat Sago Field School spans approximately six hectares and is managed jointly by the Diocese of Agats and the local government.
 
Beyond its role as a center for sago learning and development, the site aims to strengthen the production of value-added sago-based products, sparking greater benefits for local communities.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)