The Minister Of Social Affairs Admits That It Was Difficult To Find Transportation Transportation Transporters For Hungry Aid To Central Papua

Illustration of the distribution of logistical assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs for residents affected by the hunger disaster in Central Papua, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. (ANTARA-HO-Kemensos).

Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Tri Rismaharini said the TNI played an important role in sending humanitarian aid to residents hit by hunger due to extreme weather in Agandugume and Lambewi Districts, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

The Minister of Social Affairs said that when he received news about the disaster about two weeks ago, his party could not find transportation to transport aid to residents of Agandugume and Lambewi districts.

The first aid is planned for delivery on Sunday, July 23, but is blocked because there are no commercial aircraft or other aircraft flying. Because Sunday there is no activity, other than worship day.

Therefore, the Minister of Social Affairs asked for help from the TNI Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono. "I asked the Commander in Chief for help, I called to ask for help. His condition was starving, Oh it's humanity, we have to help,' then left," said Social Minister Risma, quoted by Antara.

The delivery of the first six tons of aid was carried out to Timika, sent by cargo from a social granary in Jayapura to Timika on Sunday, July 23.

Then on Monday, July 24, the Indonesian Air Force Hercules aircraft brought 10 tons of aid from Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport, Jakarta. The next day, the aid brought was 7,100 kilograms.

"I imagine, we don't have money to pay. Transporting 10 tons from here to Timika is very heavy. We are assisted by the Indonesian Air Force and the Commander in Chief who combine it, that's very fast," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

In addition, the TNI Commander also contributed 3.6 tons of aid. The total aid for starving residents distributed is around 25.15 tons.

Social Minister Risma said the distribution of aid was coordinated with Pastor Delius Wenda as the Head of the Kingmi Class, Agandugume District, who represented the two districts.

Furthermore, assistance was gradually deployed in Sinak District on Twin Otter aircraft, Caravan aircraft, and Indonesian Air Force Caracal helicopters.

"So we fully transport 50 percent assisted by the Indonesian Air Force," said the Minister of Social Affairs.