In a statement confirmed here on Thursday, the minister stated the ministry will ensure the acceleration of the validation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) so that food area development is in line with the environmental carrying capacity.
"The Ministry/BPLH (Environmental Control Agency) ensures that the acceleration of KLHS validation is transparent, measurable, and data-based," he said.
"Thus, Merauke will develop into a national food barn without sacrificing environmental sustainability," he added.
The KLHS validation mechanism will be implemented in accordance with the Regulation of LHK Minister No. 13/2024 concerning Procedures for Implementing Strategic Environmental Studies with the issuance of a Validation Approval Decree no later than 20 working days after the documents are declared complete.
The accelerated steps were taken because South Papua, as a new autonomous region, does not yet have a Provincial Spatial Planning Plan (RTRWP).
Accelerating the preparation of spatial planning that can accommodate national and regional development needs is a priority agenda.
Nurofiq also reminded that the strategic program in Merauke is projected as a center for national food security as well as a food defense node in eastern Indonesia.
The development of a food self-sufficiency area in Merauke is supported by plans to create 52,000 hectares of rice fields as part of the 1 million hectare target.
This is in accordance with Presidential Instruction No. 14 of 2025 concerning the Acceleration of Development of National Food, Energy, and Water Self-Sufficiency Areas.
The supporting infrastructure includes a 135 km long road with a width of 142 meters, a 180-hectare airport, and a 377-hectare dedicated port that will support food logistics connectivity and distribution.
In addition, the development of the palm oil processing industry, ranch-based livestock farming, and the propellant industry is also being prepared to strengthen food and energy independence.
Nurofiq emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy in supporting the program.
The collaboration involves the Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Regional Government of South Papua.
This joint effort is expected to accelerate the establishment of the Provincial Spatial Planning Plan and maximize the potential of South Papua's fertile land for national food self-sufficiency.
"Food development isn't just about rice or other commodities. It's about the future of the nation," Nurofiq said.
"With proper environmental management, we want the people of South Papua to prosper, the environment to remain sustainable, and Indonesia to become more self-sufficient," he added.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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