Government Scheme To Handle Hunger In Central Papua Including Extending Runway At Sinak Airport

The Head of BNPB and the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reviewed disaster relief for victims of hunger in Central Papua at Mozes Kilangin Airport, Timika, Central Papua, Wednesday, August 2, 2023. (ANTARA-HO-BNPB)

JAKARTA - The government has prepared a scheme for handling hunger that hit three districts in Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

"Now all processes continue to be carried out in the short, medium and long term," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 9, as reported by Antara.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture explained that for short-term handling, the government ensures that food needs, medicines, and other basic services, for three districts namely Agandugume, Lambewi, and Oneri, have been met for the next three months.

The government has distributed thousands of tons of basic necessities. Food stocks are placed in Sinak District which is the closest area to the Agandugume District.

"Including the handling of pregnant, lactating, and toddlers, for the next three months it will be fulfilled. For food, there is no problem for the next three months until agricultural conditions are recovered in three districts," he said.

In the medium term, he continued, food barns will be prepared in Agandugume, including the construction of roads from Sinak District to Agandugume.

The route from Agandugume District to Sinak must be passed on foot for two days and one night. Meanwhile, the air route is not possible, because the track is too short and only two pilots can fly to Agandugume Airport.

"At least the two-wheeled vehicle can be smooth from Sinak to Agandugume, so that the supply of goods is no longer transported by foot, thankfully four-wheeled (can enter)," he said.

Then the revitalization of Sinak Airport, the government will extend the runway to 1,600 meters from the beginning only 1,200 meters. Currently Sinak Airport can only be used for Caravan and Twin Otter aircraft.

"So the planes are a bit big like Hercules and CN can land there," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.

Then the construction of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). One of the reasons for the delay in handling, he said, was the difficulty of telecommunications signals.

As for the long term, namely strengthening community involvement, fulfilling health workers, and the cost of affirmation of Papua.

"Actually, the Ministry of Health is there through LPDP, so the shortage of health workers can be met by indigenous Papuan children. It is impossible for us to appoint those outside (Papua). We have prepared a budget through LPDP," he said.