Jayapura: The Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) members deliver a sago processing machine for sago producers in the sago fields of Asei Kecil Village, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Papua. The presence of these machines can boost production.
From 6 Sacks to 25 Sacks
According to Vitha Faidiban, PMI (aka Papua Muda Inspiratif) Jayapura Secretary and Coordinator for Sago Agriculture, his group could produce 20–25 sacks, each weighing 30 kg of sago using this machine.
Vitha also explained that initially, they only generated five to six bags of sago per tree and processed it in the usual manner. A sack weighs 30 kilograms. Yet, with the help of this machine, they can create 20–25 sacks, each weighing 30 kg, from a single sago tree.
More Efficient Production Process
According to Vitha, the procedure begins with tree cutting, grating, and separating the dregs from the sago. She made it clear that sago growers originally cooked this in a customary manner. Basic tools, such as an ax, are used. The pangkur process lasts until it produces sago powder. Then, traditionally squeezed three times again to get sago starch.
Sago farmers can work more quickly and efficiently thanks to this machine. So, not many people engage in it. It is relatively simple to grate sago starch and separate it from the dregs. Because this process doesn’t take too long, the tool is quite effective.
Originally, the procedure typically took one week. Using this machine, farmers can complete the entire processing—grating and removing the starch and dregs from the sago—in just 4 hours.
The PYCH Shop Sells Sago Production
They make the sago starch products into flour, which they then use to make various papeda-based drinks, snacks, cakes, and other types of meals. The local Papuan MSME off-takers who are PYCH Store members receive these sago products next. Hence, the MSMEs’ products are made from the sago they generate.
Sago farmers find that setting up production there with PYCH’s presence is highly beneficial. Moreover, Inspiring Young Papua (PMI) offers support to this off-taker.
Vitha also hopes that they will carry on in the future and that young Papuans would continue to support and mentor the local farmers so they can boost their output and gain greater recognition.
PCYH is a form of Government Support for Papuan Youth
Papuan youth who are PYCH members and work with sago farmers have expressed their gratitude to President Jokowi for his assistance and support in advancing Papuan agriculture, particularly sago.
It is important to note that the Papuan youth who manage the sago farms are members of the State Intelligence Agency-supported Papua Youth Creativity Hub (BIN).
As a part of the Indonesian government’s initiatives to promote the younger generation’s role in overseeing Papua’s potential economic growth, the Ministry of Public Works from Public Housing (PUPR) is completing the construction of the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) in Jayapura, Papua.
According to President Jokowi, the building of PYCH is a response to the meeting between Young Papuan Inspirational Leaders and President Jokowi that took place in September 2019 at the State Palace.
The central government also supports the creation of a creativity center to give West Papuan youth more space to explore technology, innovation, and native Papuan products.
The President also noted that Papua and West Papua are home to numerous outstanding talents in the sectors of sports, science, and the arts. The preparation of effective talent management for the organization is a significant duty for all of us. The hope is that PYCH will act as a catalyst and a hub for nurturing youthful talent in Papua.
Also, PYCH can function as a hub for young Papuans’ creativity in order to improve the environment for innovation and technology. One of the creative products of the Papuan youth is this sago processing machine.
