Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian military plans to develop rice fields in the remote district of Nabire in the countrys eastern province of Papua this year.

The chief of the District Military Command 1705/Paniai in Papua, Lt. Col. Jerry Harapan Tua Simatupang, confirmed here on Sunday that the project was a cooperation project between TNI (the military) and the ministry of agriculture to increase food self-sufficiency especially in Papua.

He said several military officials from the command along with Trubus farmers group chief and a number of farmers inspected the area to be used for the project last week.

"The area spreads in Wanggar Sari village (80 hectares), Wiraska (57 ha), Wami (60 ha), Waroki (25 ha) and Maiday (108 ha)," he explained.

Simatupang said the inspection was needed to see possible hurdles that might be met during development process including irrigation issue.

"I will deploy all members of the community development unit to mentor the farmers with regard to achieving a maximum harvest," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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