In the remote highlands of Papua, a quiet agricultural revolution is unfolding. The local government of Tolikara Regency is leading an ambitious initiative to cultivate Buah Merah—a bright red fruit native to Papua—as a key commodity for sustainable development. Known scientifically as Pandanus conoideus, this unique plant is being hailed as both an economic catalyst and a symbol of indigenous resilience.
The move to prioritize Buah Merah aligns with a broader effort by local authorities to reduce rural poverty, promote food sovereignty, and preserve cultural heritage. According to the Tolikara Regent, the fruit is not only a local delicacy and traditional medicine but is now considered a strategic commodity with national and even global potential.
“Buah Merah is our heritage. By cultivating it systematically, we are not only helping our people economically, but also conserving our culture and health knowledge,” said a Tolikara government representative during a recent agricultural expo.
Economic Hope from Indigenous Soil
The economic significance of Buah Merah lies in its versatility and market value. Traditionally consumed as a cooking oil and food supplement, the fruit is now attracting attention from the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Its oil, rich in beta-carotene and tocopherols, has been linked to immune system support, cancer prevention, and even hair and skin health.
A study by Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) found that Buah Merah contains antioxidant levels comparable to premium commercial supplements. With rising global demand for organic and plant-based wellness products, Papua’s red fruit could soon become a top-tier export.
In Tolikara, the government has begun providing seeds, training, and market access to smallholder farmers to integrate Buah Merah into their agricultural routines. These efforts are expected to boost local incomes, reduce dependency on imported food, and open up new agroindustry pathways.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also expressed interest in scaling the model to other regions in Papua. In partnership with the Agency for Agricultural Research and Development, the ministry is assessing best practices to create supply chains for Buah Merah oil and processed goods.
Cultural and Medicinal Legacy
Buah Merah’s story is more than just economic. It is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Papua. For generations, the Dani, Lani, and Mee tribes have used it in ceremonial feasts and as a natural remedy for a range of ailments—from digestive issues to skin infections and fatigue.
Recent ethnobotanical research has confirmed what Papuan communities have long known: the fruit is rich in natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds. Traditionally, Buah Merah oil is rubbed into the scalp to promote hair growth and used as a skin moisturizer in the harsh highland climate.
The resurgence of interest in Buah Merah is also helping revive traditional knowledge systems. In villages like Karubaga, elders are teaching the younger generation not only how to grow and process the fruit but also the stories, songs, and rituals surrounding it.
“We are reconnecting with our roots,” said Yobel Wanimbo, a local community leader. “This fruit is not just food. It is a part of who we are.”
Environmental Sustainability
Buah Merah also offers environmental benefits. Unlike many commercial crops, it thrives in Papua’s natural ecosystem with minimal need for chemical inputs. The plant grows in highland areas at elevations between 1,200–2,000 meters and adapts well to diverse soil types.
Experts from Mongabay Indonesia note that Buah Merah has the potential to become a sustainable agroforestry species, reducing pressure on forest land while maintaining biodiversity. Since it can be intercropped with other native species, its cultivation supports climate-resilient farming.
This makes Buah Merah not only economically strategic but also ecologically compatible with Papua’s commitment to conservation and green development.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its promise, scaling up Buah Merah cultivation is not without challenges. Farmers face hurdles such as limited access to capital, lack of processing infrastructure, and inconsistent market linkages. Moreover, the post-harvest handling of Buah Merah—especially oil extraction and storage—requires specialized training and equipment.
To address these gaps, Tolikara Regency is calling for stronger support from provincial and national governments, as well as international partners. The hope is to create cooperatives, processing centers, and export facilities that can transform the fruit into a true economic powerhouse.
A Symbol of Local Innovation and Global Potential
As interest in indigenous superfoods grows worldwide, Buah Merah stands poised to become Papua’s ambassador crop. Its journey from remote mountain groves to global markets reflects a broader narrative: the power of local innovation rooted in tradition.
In Tolikara, where government officials, academics, farmers, and elders now work hand-in-hand, Buah Merah is more than just a crop—it is a symbol of resilience, identity, and hope.
“Our red fruit is small,” said a farmer in Bokondini village, “but it carries the strength of the land and the wisdom of our ancestors. Now, it is also our future.”
Conclusion
The cultivation of Buah Merah in Tolikara Regency is a powerful example of how indigenous resources can be leveraged for sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and health innovation. By prioritizing this native superfruit, the Tolikara government is not only improving local livelihoods but also reviving traditional knowledge and promoting environmental sustainability.
Despite facing infrastructure and market challenges, the region’s integrated approach—combining government support, scientific research, and community participation—positions Buah Merah as a strategic commodity with national and international potential. As Papua embraces its agricultural heritage, Buah Merah serves as a symbol of local pride, resilience, and the promise of a more self-reliant future.
In essence, Buah Merah is not just a fruit—it is a bridge between tradition and progress, nature and economy, and local wisdom and global opportunity.
