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Merauke Involved in Sugar and Bioethanol Projects
WINDONESIA May 21, 2024
South Papua TPPKP Head Paino. (Tribun-Papua.com/Yulianus Bwariat).
The Indonesian government is currently undertaking a national strategic project for sugar self-sufficiency and bioethanol production in Merauke Regency, South Papua Province. The mega project is set to use 500,000 hectares (ha) of land belonging to the Tujuh Marga indigenous tribe of the Marind people in Merauke.
Both the South Papua Provincial Government and the Merauke Regency Government fully support the investment in sugarcane plantations as part of the national strategic project. The investment is also part of the government’s efforts to achieve national food security, particularly for sugar.
South Papua Province Food Crops, Agriculture, Marine, and Fisheries (TPPKP) Office Head Paino explained that 60 percent of domestic sugar needs still needs to be fulfilled by imports. Therefore, the investment in Merauke sugarcane plantations is being optimized.
"This investment is substantial, with a budget of approximately R[83 trillion. The sugarcane plantations will also target exports; when sugar prices are high, we will export sugar, and when bioethanol prices are high, we will export bioethanol," Paino told reporters in Merauke on May 17, 2024.
He added that even though the principal permit has been issued by the relevant ministry, both private investors such as Global Papua, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) must respect the rights of indigenous communities.
"Currently, Global Papua is operational with a mechanized system using advanced equipment. They have started with about 100 ha of seed planting this year, and they aim to begin full-scale planting by 2025," Paino explained.
Source: papua.tribunnews.com