Merauke – Bank Indonesia Papua Province (KPw BI Papua) together with the Government of South Papua Province (Pemprov Papsel), plans to encourage inflation stabilization in the Papua region. Head of Representative of Bank Indonesia Papua Province said that strong synergy is needed in connection with the inflation rate in Merauke City which was recorded at 4.61% (as of February 2024), far above the national inflation rate of 2.75%.
Bank Indonesia in coordination with the Papsel Provincial Government, Merauke Regency Government, the University of Musamus, and farmer groups, made a series of joint efforts to conquer inflation in Papsel Province which until now was classified as high nationally. Bank Indonesia Representative Office of Papua Province (KPw BI Papua) This activity synergizes with the local government and related agencies, this series of inflation control activities began on March 25, 2024, through Cheap Food Movement (GPM) activities by distributing strategic food at affordable prices to the people of Merauke and its surroundings. Within one year, six GPM activities are planned, especially during the HBKN period in Merauke. In response to the increase in rice prices, 30 tons of rice were also distributed during the GPM event.
In another effort to increase production and develop alternative fertilizers, a ‘capacity building’ on organic fertilizer production was held for rice and horticulture farmer groups. ‘Capacity Building’ was held at the State Vocational High School 5 Merauke for two days, this is expected to equip farmers with insights and supporting skills in making organic fertilizer independently.
On the same event and day, the team from Bank Indonesia also held discussions directly with South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo and South Papua Regional Secretary Maddaremmeng. The discussion was about five commodities that historically in the last five years the frequency of emergence contributed to inflation. The five commodities are cayenne pepper, shallots, water spinach, chicken meat, and rice, respectively.
On the next day, KPw BI Papua also gave a public lecture to lecturers and students from three universities, namely the University of Musamus and, the College of Economics Saint. Theresa, and Yapis College of Economics.
These were presented with the tasks of banking and inflation control efforts in their areas. KPw Papua also organized a scientific paper competition related to inflation control efforts in South Papua by involving students and college lecturers in Merauke. From there, it is hoped that ideas, innovations, and aspirations of academics will emerge in controlling inflation.
To explore the problems on the production side, the Head of KPw BI Papua Province also visited rice, onion, and chili farms. He also held discussions with several farmer groups and Islamic boarding schools. The deepening was carried out in the Tanah Miring and Semangga districts.
It is hoped that farmers in Merauke can provide interventions that Bank Indonesia can synergize with stakeholders in Merauke.