Extreme Frost Weather In Lanny Jaya Papua, KSP Calls Aid Distribution Smooth Even In Hard-to-Reach Locations

JAKARTA - Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Jaleswari Pramodhawardani ensured that the handling of the impact of extreme weather in Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua, went smoothly.

He explained that the relevant ministries and non-ministerial government institutions (K/L) together with the local government (Pemda) had taken quick response steps, especially in the distribution of aid to people who were victims of extreme weather, in the form of food, namely rice, ready-to-eat food. food, blankets and clothing.

"The government through the Ministry of Social Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, BNPB, and the local government has distributed aid well. In fact, distribution of aid in hard-to-reach locations can be done even if you have to walk," said Jaleswari in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Wednesday 10 August.

He denied that the local people lacked food and were starving, until some died. According to him, residents who died of illness.

Jaleswari also asked all parties not to politicize extreme weather events in the form of frost phenomena in Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua.

He hopes that no parties will reveal information and photos that are not actual and not related to extreme weather conditions in Lanny Jaya.

"The accusations and politicization deny the efforts of the regional government and ministries/agencies in handling the impact of extreme weather in Lanny Jaya," he said.

Jaleswari emphasized that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) together with all ranks have never been tired of fighting for the welfare of the Papuan people.

This is evidenced by the issuance of various policies related to the acceleration of development in Papua, such as Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Development of the Welfare of the Papuan People and Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua.

In addition, he continued, the government through the KSP also encourages the regional government of the mountainous region of Papua to strengthen food security, by utilizing agricultural land to produce rice or other commodities.

"So, if there is a food crisis due to extreme weather like in Lanny Jaya, the surrounding areas can support the availability of food," he said.

As is known, since June 2022, Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua, has been hit by extreme weather in the form of a frost phenomenon. There are three affected villages, namely Kuyawage, Luarem, and Jugu Nomba.

The frost phenomenon causes drought and crop failure. It was recorded that 56 cassava and vegetable plantations were damaged and 548 households or 2,740 people had the potential to experience food shortages.