Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman: Merauke Farmers' Prosperity Level Increases as They Use iPhones

Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman announced that modern agricultural operators, particularly in the Merauke region of Papua in the country's southeast, are showing a continuous increase in economic welfare. Minister Sulaiman shared with the public the current state of the agricultural sector in the region and the improvement in farmers' living standards, supported by various examples in his recent statement. Emphasizing the role agricultural technologies and modern methods play in this development, the Minister also drew attention to the strategic importance of the region for the country's agriculture.

Merauke holds a central place in Indonesia's food security strategies with its geographical location and fertile soils, and investments made in this region in recent years have begun to bear fruit. Minister Amran Sulaiman stated that agricultural activities in the region are not sustained solely by traditional methods, but have conversely transformed into a structure integrated with technology. It was expressed that this transformation directly affected both the productivity and income levels of local farmers, creating a visible difference in the quality of life of agricultural operators.

Explaining the increasing welfare level of farmers with a concrete example, Minister Sulaiman stated that agricultural operators in Merauke have now reached the economic power to use smart phones, even high-end devices like iPhones. This situation points not only to the increase in agricultural production but also to development in terms of access to technological devices and digitalization. The Minister characterized this development as a success of the government's policies to modernize the agricultural sector and increase welfare in rural areas.

The Indonesian government's policies focusing on the agricultural sector in the recent period continue to affect farmers in different regions of the country, especially Merauke, positively. Steps such as encouraging the use of modern agricultural equipment, training farmers and diversifying marketing channels contribute to the growth of the sector. Minister Sulaiman added that such developments ensure agriculture is seen not just as a livelihood but as a profitable and sustainable sector, and also increase young people's interest in agriculture.

It was stated that works will continue to maximize the agricultural potential around Merauke and Papua in the future period. The Ministry of Agriculture aims to make Merauke a national agricultural center with infrastructure improvements in the region and support provided to farmers. The increase in the economic power of farmers and their ability to spend even on luxury consumption items prove that the targeted development model is successful. The Minister emphasized that agricultural education and technological transformation will continue for the sustainability of this process.