Jakarta, Dec. 17 -- The Indonesian government aims to achieve food self-sufficiency in Papua within the next three years, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said on Tuesday.

The target will be pursued through the development of new rice fields and the optimization of local staple food production, particularly sago, he told a press conference in Jakarta.

"We will realize food self-sufficiency in Papua within three years at the latest. If possible, we can complete it within two years," Sulaiman said.

He noted that Papua's annual rice demand stands at around 660,000 tons, while local production is estimated at about 120,000 tons, leaving a shortfall of approximately 500,000 tons.

"To cover the deficit, around 100,000 hectares of ri...