The government is moving forward with its plan to establish a massive Food, Energy, and Water Self-Sufficiency Estate in Wanam, Merauke, South Papua. 

The project, designated as a National Strategic Project (PSN), is outlined in Presidential Decree No. 19/2025 and Presidential Instruction No. 14/2025.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said the project will cover 481,000 hectares of land and will serve as a major pillar of Indonesia’s food security.

“This project is different from other PSNs in Merauke because it is dedicated to agriculture. It has already started, and what remains is the contract between [State-owned agriculture company] Agrinas Pangan and the party in charge of land clearing,” Zulkifli told reporters on Monday, September 29, 2025.

He said further that the initiative is not limited to rice cultivation as the estate will also produce ethanol from sugarcane and cassava, as well as B50 biodiesel from palm oil.

He stressed that environmental aspects are being prioritized, including land-use planning, business-use rights, and other administrative requirements, to ensure long-term sustainability.

“This will support Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency. The President has already spoken at the UN, declaring that we aim to be a global food source. This is what we must follow up on,” Zulkifli added.

The project also involves coordination across ministries. Zulkifli confirmed that the Defense Ministry will play a role, as part of the estate will be used for producing propellant materials for ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Ministry will be responsible for the construction of infrastructure, such as port facilities.

Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister/National Land Agency Head, Nusron Wahid, detailed the land allocation process.

He said 474,000 hectares of forest area had been proposed for release, with 451,000 hectares already mapped as certified land plots (PBT).

“From that figure, 1,140 hectares are designated for port development, 263,000 hectares for rice fields, 146,000 hectares for oil palm plantation, and 41 hectares for rice cultivation in Merauke City,” Nusron said.