World Food Day: The People’s Livestock School (SPR) Revives Food Sovereignty in the Arfak Mountains
World Food Day on October 16 reflects that food sovereignty is not just a global issue, but also a real challenge in the regions. Amidst the onslaught of the food crisis and the increasing demand for animal protein, efforts to revive local potential are key.
The People’s Livestock School (SPR), initiated by IPB University, is contributing to this effort. This social innovation by IPB University seeks to revive local food sovereignty in remote areas of eastern Indonesia.
Behind the natural beauty of the Arfak Mountains lies a dark memory. In the past, when the Dutch colonized Indonesia, this region was once a paradise for dairy farming. However, after independence, the farms were abandoned, leaving behind vast tracts of fertile land.
Now, decades later, hope is blossoming once more. The IPB University People’s Livestock School (SPR), which has proven its success in various parts of Indonesia, including Fakfak Regency since 2023, is now expanding to three new regencies in Papua: Arfak Mountains, Manokwari, and South Manokwari.
Prof Muladno, the initiator of SPR IPB University, sees tremendous potential behind the existing challenges. “Arfak Mountains Regency has vast land and abundant natural resources, but the human resources of farmers and ranchers are still limited,” he explained during a recent visit to Arfak Mountains.
The cool microclimate of 18–22°C, fertile soil, and abundant water in Pegunungan Arfak are like a gift from nature for livestock farming. Prof Agik Suprayogi, one of the founders of SPR IPB University, believes that this region has great potential for the development of dairy cattle farming using the agrosilvopastoral concept.
“The People’s Livestock School is expected to be able to change the mindset of farmers and ranchers,” he said optimistically. This hope is not just a pipe dream. SPR, which has now spread to 29 districts and 18 provinces, demonstrates IPB University’s consistency in safeguarding food sovereignty.
A representative of the Indonesian SPR Alumni Solidarity (SASPRI), Arya Wishnuardi, emphasized the right strategy: chicken for Manokwari, beef cattle for South Manokwari—both of which have become the mainstay of the local economy.
“What is needed now is to train the mindset and open up wider market access,” he added.
Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science at the University of Papua, Prof Andoyo Supriyantono, enthusiastically welcomed IPB University’s presence. This collaboration is not merely a transfer of technology, but a revival of West Papua’s long-held dream—to become self-sufficient in food and prosperous in animal husbandry. (*/Rz) (IAAS/Ard)
