The Merauke Food Estate: A Promise of Self-Sufficiency, A Threat to Tradition

The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate, a sprawling initiative aimed at transforming nearly three million hectares of forest and swampland into agricultural land, has become a focal point of contention in Papua. Initially conceived in 2010 under then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the project languished before being revitalized and expanded by President Joko Widodo in 2023. Now, under President Prabowo Subianto, the project is being rapidly accelerated with the ambitious goal of establishing Indonesia as a global “granary of the world.”

However, this vision of national food security comes at a steep cost. The project directly threatens the customary land rights of over 40,000 individuals from the Indigenous Malind, Maklew, Yei, and Khimaima communities. These communities have historically relied on the forests and swamplands for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual well-being. Allegations of displacement, forced land acquisition, deforestation, and the suppression of dissent are mounting.

The Indonesian government maintains that the project adheres to national laws and regulations, including those pertaining to Indigenous rights and environmental protection. They also assert that no formal applications for customary forest designation have been submitted within the project area. However, Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups strongly dispute these claims, arguing that the process lacks genuine consultation and fails to recognize traditional land ownership systems.

Did You Know? The “From Sabang to Merauke” anthem, symbolizing Indonesian national unity, highlights the strategic importance of Merauke as the easternmost point of the archipelago, contributing to the government’s strong interest in developing the region.

Church Leaders Caught in the Crossfire

The January 25th protest at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral in Merauke was organized by members of the Voice of Catholic People of Papua (Suara Kaum Awam Katolik Regio Papua). Protesters were calling on church officials to actively protect Indigenous communities from the negative impacts of the Merauke food estate. A significant element of their demonstration involved expressing opposition to the local bishop, accused of supporting the government’s initiative.

The police response was swift and brutal. Witnesses, including Stenlhy Dambujai, 30, reported being “choked and beat” by officers, while Maria Amote, 24, and Angel Gebze, 22, sustained head injuries from baton strikes. Eleven protesters were arrested and detained at the Merauke Traffic Police Station and subsequently transferred to the Merauke police precinct. They were released without charge after midnight, but their lawyer, Arnold Anda of the Merauke Legal Aid Institute, reported that no legal justification for their detention was provided.

Adding to the concerns, Dambujai alleges that police seized a smartphone belonging to a protester and deleted photos and videos documenting the incident. “I feel unsafe because it feels like I am constantly being monitored by the authorities,” he stated.

What responsibility do religious leaders have to advocate for their congregations when government policies threaten their way of life? And how can authorities balance national development goals with the fundamental rights of Indigenous populations?

Military Presence and Growing Fears

The deployment of the Indonesian military to support the Merauke food estate project has further exacerbated tensions. While officially tasked with assisting agricultural programs, critics argue that the military presence is primarily intended to suppress dissent and intimidate local communities. Norton Kamuyen, a Marind resident, shared his family’s experience of being forced to flee their village due to a land dispute, stating, “The military makes us afraid, so we have to leave our villages to find safety and protect our lives.”

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia, representing 105 Protestant denominations, issued a statement on February 5th, urging the government to “end land grabbing of Indigenous Papuans” and engage in “honest, equal, and dignified dialogue” with affected communities. This call for dialogue echoes concerns raised in March 2025 by nine United Nations special rapporteurs, who documented systematic human rights and environmental violations linked to the project.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of land rights disputes in Papua is crucial for grasping the complexities of the Merauke food estate project. Human Rights Watch provides extensive reporting on this issue.

The Indonesian government faces a critical juncture. While striving to enhance food production, it must prioritize the protection of Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and the rule of law. The future of the Merauke food estate – and the well-being of the Papuan people – hangs in the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Merauke Food Estate