Jakarta, Sept. 18 -- Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq expressed his readiness to oversee the development of the National Food, Energy, and Water Self-Sufficiency Area in Merauke District, South Papua, as a center for national food security.

In a statement confirmed here on Thursday, the minister stated the ministry will ensure the acceleration of the validation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) so that food area development is in line with the environmental carrying capacity.

"The Ministry/BPLH (Environmental Control Agency) ensures that the acceleration of KLHS validation is transparent, measurable, and data-based," he said.

"Thus, Merauke will develop into a national food barn without sacrificing environmental...