Longsor-Gagal Panen Makes You Starvation In Yahukimo, Puan: The Field Is Difficult, Asks For Help Escorted By The TNI

Illustration. TNI AD personnel patrolling security in Yakuhimo Regency, Papua. (doc the TNI AD)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, expressed her concern over the landslide and crop failure that caused the hunger of residents of Amuma, Panggema and Anggruk Districts in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Province, Mountains. He also encouraged the Government to provide logistical assistance to the community efficiently.

"We must admit that in sending aid to the mountainous Papua area, the terrain is very difficult, and currently it can only be done by air. I hope that the distribution of logistical assistance is carried out efficiently so that it quickly reaches people in need," said Puan, Friday, October 27.

As is known, landslides occurred in Yahukimo Regency because it was triggered by high rainfall intensity since the end of August 2023. The high intensity of rain also caused crop failure so that the local community lacked food and led to a hunger disaster.

As many as 24 residents were recorded as dead, ranging from toddlers, children to the elderly due to illness in the midst of a hunger disaster in Yahukimo Regency. The government has also established a Disaster Emergency Response status to face disasters in Yahukimo and has sent various aids.

Puan appreciated the steps taken by the Government to immediately send aid through the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and various other agencies.

Puan emphasized the importance of distributing aid to be carried out effectively. Especially, said Puan, in terms of distribution of food, equipment, and medicines needed by the affected community.

"Make sure that the assistance provided is on time and in good condition. Continuous evaluation will help identify problems and obstacles in logistics flows," he explained.

Puan also highlighted the difficult aspects of vulnerability and terrain. This is because Yahukimo is one of the areas that often gets attacks from the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). Most recently, at least 13 residents have been found dead as a result of the KKB attack led by Egianus Kogoya.

Therefore, Puan asked for the distribution of aid for residents to be closely guarded by security personnel from the joint TNI/Polri team. Yahukimo Regency is included in the KKB red zone.

"The involvement of security personnel can streamline the distribution of logistical assistance to residents. Hopefully, assistance can arrive soon and the community there will no longer lack food," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture added that the hunger disaster that occurred in Papua was a problem that required serious attention from the Government because it had often occurred. Puan then emphasized the importance of the Government creating an efficient food strategy on Earth of Cenderawasih, for example by maximizing food warehouses.

"By developing a local food system and providing access to residents over land, I think it can help build food security in Papua. So that people have safe food stocks throughout the year," he said.

"So when people experience crop failure due to weather problems or something else, they still have food ingredients," continued Puan.

Furthermore, the central and regional governments are also expected to build good synergy to ensure that the agricultural process can be sustainable. Puan assessed that one of the causes of the hunger disaster in Papua was due to the lack of a consistent agricultural system.

"The agricultural system in Papua is very vulnerable. Because the agricultural system is subsistent, it means farming is only to meet their daily needs, not in the long term, or sustainable form. This is where the Government must be present to ensure sustainability in the agricultural system in Papua," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Regarding land access, Puan said the Government needs to open more utilization space by residents in Papua. That way, people can increase food independence that utilizes natural resources.

"The key to people's food sovereignty is by means of sovereignty over their own land. Land processing for various agricultural products can provide sustainability for people's lives," said Puan.

In addition, Puan also emphasized the importance of providing health services for people in areas who have difficulty with food sources. Moreover, for children and the elderly who are the most vulnerable groups.

"Health services in these areas must also be improved. The government must be able to ensure that every complaint from the public is responded to by medical personnel. For this reason, the availability of medical personnel there must also be increased," he explained.

"And of course, improving services in Papua must also be accompanied by creating safe conditions in Papua. We don't want any people to become victims anymore because of hunger or attacks by the KKB," concluded Puan.