Hunger Crisis in Central Papua: A Call for Grief and Challenges for Humanity

Drought in Central Papua resulted in a hunger crisis. (Antara)

Central Papua, a region rich in nature and resources, is also where the Grasberg gold mine operated by Freeport Indonesia is facing a wave of hunger that threatens its population. Six lives were lost due to starvation. This event cannot be ignored, especially in the era of globalization. The Puncak Regency government in Central Papua hopes that the weather will no longer be a hindrance in the distribution of aid to those trapped in hunger. However, is the weather really the root of this problem?

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) noted the extreme weather in Central Papua caused unexpected cold temperatures, contributing to a severe drought. How will this weather impact crop growth and food supply? Although the weather is important, decisive and appropriate action is needed to overcome this crisis.

The government has acted, and the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture and the Head of BNPB have inspected the districts affected by hunger. However, distribution and transportation barriers remain significant. The Vice President ordered an alternative delivery of aid to Puncak, Central Papua.

A number of parties said that security issues were the root of the problem with the distribution of aid. The TNI Commander rejected this claim, emphasizing that the humanitarian aspect should not be disturbed. In a disaster, the spirit of solidarity and concern for others must be unhindered.

The Minister of Agriculture is trying to overcome this by planting plants in polybags, an initiative to tackle hunger in Puncak, Central Papua. Despite the risk of weather, creative steps overcome the crisis.

President Jokowi ordered to build a logistics warehouse, extending the runway for aircraft, and dealing with drought and hunger in Puncak, Central Papua. There is also a food storage plan, which requires detailed cooperation, planning, and implementation. Real action is needed, not just plans.

The facts cannot be ignored, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) quoted from Katadata, shows that in 2021, Indonesia's hunger level will be level 18. A significant drop from 2000, the index is 26.1.

The GHI measures hunger levels from 0 to 100. The higher, the more severe. With the Indonesian hunger index at level 18, the hunger category is moderate. Nevertheless, stay alert.

The hunger crisis illustrates the link between food and global policy. India's drastic action to stop rice exports, creates global instability, and spikes in global rice prices. Vulnerable countries such as Indonesia, the fourth-highest rice consumption country, are threatened with a hunger crisis.

In the 2022 Central Statistics Agency (BPS) report, Indonesia imported 429,207 tons of rice, up 5% from the previous year. India is the biggest supply of rice, followed by Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Efforts to increase food production and distribution have been made by the leadership, but closer cooperation and coordination as the key to overcoming hunger continues. The goal of self-sufficiency in food is a better step, not impossible, Indonesia has already achieved.

The challenge of hunger in Central Papua is a lesson. Strengthen cross-sector collaboration, human values are the main guide. There should be no more victims of hunger on the road to prosperity. All authorities must guarantee that no one will die of hunger anymore in this republic. Happy 78th Birthday of the Republic of Indonesia. Independent!