Enhancing the Economic Value of Sago: FAO UN’s Initiative for Indigenous Communities in Papua

Jayapura – In an effort to improve the living standards of indigenous communities in Yoboi Village, Jayapura Regency, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO UN) Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, in collaboration with Analis Papua Strategi (APS), has trained 30 individuals in sago processing.

Rajendra Aryal, FAO UN Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, stated in Sentani on Saturday that indigenous communities can participate in and economically benefit from the main sago value chain through the implementation of adapted technology and proper market connections.

“Indigenous communities can enhance equity in sustainable sago processing, contributing to food security, diversification, and economic resilience for other communities,” Aryal remarked.

Sago, a staple food that has been passed down through generations and holds sacred value for many indigenous communities, is also considered an alternative carbohydrate source to ensure food security and diversity, according to Elvyrisma Nainggolan, Head of the Agricultural Products Marketing Group at the Directorate General of Plantations, Ministry of Agriculture.

Nainggolan emphasized the importance of empowering sago-producing village groups to enable them to process sago into various products, such as flour, cakes, and noodles.

To promote sago-based products made by the Yoboi indigenous community, FAO UN, YOSIBA, and APS launched the first Sago Festival in Jayapura Regency. During the festival, women and other members of the Yoboi indigenous community presented sago-based dishes, such as noodles, analog rice, and sago flour, to showcase the region’s unique potentials and expand market reach.

“We hope that through this festival, the processed sago products of the Yoboi indigenous community can be promoted and reach broader markets,” Aryal added.