Merauke Regency, South Papua has recently become a central point, as work on the 1 million hectare mega rice field project begins. The national project, held by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture, assigned the Jhonlin Group as the implementer.
Around 60 community members in Manam, Merauke, had protested against the plan to build a port to support the one million hectare printing program there. After negotiations led by Jhonlin Group owner Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, known as H Isam, the misunderstanding was resolved.
It didn’t stop there. To ensure that the local community is well informed about the food barn project, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture held a socialization for the people of Uli-Uli Village, Ilwayab District.
Merauke Regency, said Rizal, has a wide, low and flat plain, and has fertile soil. “Therefore, in Merauke Regency, especially Ilwayab District, we will build rice fields, especially rice fields,” said Rizal at the multipurpose building in Uli Uli Village.
That is why there must be road and dock construction. “The construction of roads and port docks is not only for access to heavy equipment but also for the community to make it easier to travel to the next village or district,” added Rizal.
“So the road construction will also reach Ngguti District. Of course this will be beneficial for the community, the road in the future will be better. The four districts will be connected with good roads,” Rizal explained to the community.
To support the smooth running of the million hectare rice field program, the Jhonlin Group will soon build a port. It is about 1 km wide, extending about 140 km towards Boven Digul.
This road work began at Wanam point, Ilwayab District, Merauke Regency. The plan is that this hundred-kilometer road will connect four districts, namely Ilwayab District, Kaptel, Ngguti, and Muting District.
With the involvement of all parties, including the government, private sector, and local communities, the 1 million hectare rice field project in Merauke is expected to not only improve the welfare of local communities, but also contribute to national food security.
