1,067 Hectares Of New Rice Fields In Kotim Fast-Tracked For 2026 Completion
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| Indonesia accelerates a 1,067-hectare rice field expansion in Kotawaringin Timur to boost food security under the 2026 CSR program. (Illustration image) |
SAMPIT — The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to expand food production by rolling out its 2026 Rice Field Expansion Program (CSR). One of the key focus areas is Kotawaringin Timur (Kotim) in Central Kalimantan, where 1,067 hectares of new rice fields have been allocated.
Head of the Kotawaringin Timur Agriculture and Food Security Agency, Yephi Hartady Periyanto, confirmed that the entire project is scheduled to be completed within this year.
“Kotim has received another allocation under the CSR program, totaling 1,067 hectares. The work is being carried out this year, and the target is to finish everything within 2026,” Yephi Hartady Periyanto said in Sampit.
The program is fully supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, covering everything from planning to on-the-ground execution. Local authorities had previously submitted data on prospective farmers and land (CPCL) to ensure the right beneficiaries are selected.
As part of the technical preparation, a Survey Investigation Design (SID) has already been completed. The work was carried out by the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) in Surabaya, with teams conducting direct field inspections in Kotawaringin Timur.
With stronger data validation from the start, officials expect the program’s success rate to improve compared to previous years.
For 2026, the new rice field development is spread across four villages: Sei Ijum in Mentaya Hilir Selatan District, Basawang and Lampuyang in Teluk Sampit District, and Bapinang Hilir Laut in Pulau Hanaut District.
Beyond land development, the government is also pushing early planting efforts. A simultaneous rice planting movement has already been carried out across CSR land, covering a target area of 284 hectares.
This planting campaign is part of a nationwide initiative, with the main ceremonial event held in Tanah Laut, South Kalimantan. Across Central Kalimantan, the government is targeting a total planting area of 5,000 hectares, with Kotawaringin Timur serving as one of the representative regions.
At the local level, planting activities took place in Baamang Hulu Village, Baamang District. The site, managed by the Mandiri Makmur Farmers Group, spans 35 hectares, with 5 hectares already planted during the initial phase.
This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen national food security while boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
FAQ
1. What is the Rice Field Expansion Program (CSR)?
It’s a government initiative aimed at creating new rice fields to increase national food production.
2. How large is the allocated area in Kotawaringin Timur?
A total of 1,067 hectares for 2026.
3. Where are the project locations?
Sei Ijum, Basawang, Lampuyang, and Bapinang Hilir Laut villages.
4. Who handled the technical planning?
The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) through the SID process.
5. What’s the main goal of this program?
To strengthen food security and expand rice production capacity.