goodmorningpapua.com – The 14-hectare land in Helaluba Village, Asolokobal District, Jayawijaya Regency was previously idle land. However, with the hard work of the TNI, local government and local residents, the land has now been turned into rice fields.
The Deputy Regent of Jayawijaya, Marthin Yogobi, thanked the TNI for what the TNI had done to revive the spirit of the people, especially rice farmers in Jayawijaya.
“On behalf of the Regional Government of Jayawijaya Regency, I express my gratitude, for what the Danrem has done is very good. This is a form of unity between the TNI and the community,” said the Deputy Regent, Wednesday, October 26, 2022, after planting rice.
The local government supports the TNI’s breakthrough to work on unused land that has been abandoned for a long time to be replanted with rice. “Previously this land was idle land occupied by farmers. However, thanks to the hard work of all parties, now the land can be used again. We really support programs and activities like this,” he said.
The Commander of Korem 172/PWY Brigadier General J.O. Sembiring accompanied by the Head of Persit KCK Koorcab Rem 172/PWY Ny. Ayu J.O. Sembiring during a working visit to Jayawijaya Regency took the time to observe the rice fields in Helaluba Village, Asolokobal District, Jayawijaya.
The Danrem said that the uncultivated land that was being re-used in Helaluba Village, Asolokobal District was 14 hectares. The land has been occupied by the community since 7 years ago. “This is the hard work of the Dandim, Babinsa, Danramil and the local community. Currently, the area of land ready to be planted is 7 hectares. We believe that the rice fields that have been planted will grow wider, of course, by collaborating with the local government and the ranks of the units in Jayawijaya Regency,” he said.
Danrem ensures that his party through Babinsa will assist farmers until the existing 14 hectares of land will be replanted.
Although the staple food of the people in the Baliem Valley is tubers and several other types, the need for rice consumption in the Central Mountains area is also quite high, as evidenced by the arrival of rice from outside Jayawijaya almost every day by air transportation.
“Hopefully, with the clearing of land that has not been planted for 7 years, it can spur and boost rice farmers in other areas,” he said.
Danrem also appreciated and thanked Dandim 1702/Jayawijaya and the staff who had worked hard to open the rice fields.
“I hope this activity will continue, not just here, but also mentoring, fertilizing, until later on marketing if it can be done, I hope to continue to collaborate and be accompanied by the existing babinsa,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Helaluba Village Farmers Group, Koli Wetapo expressed his gratitude for the hard work that has been conducted by the TNI so far, especially the 1702/Jayawijaya Kodim and its staff.
“Thank you for realizing this food security program so that people can plant rice to improve the family’s economy,” he said.