Having Been Angry, Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Emphasized That 6 Central Papuans Died Due To Starvation Disasters

Minister of Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy. (doc Setkab)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy confirmed that six residents of Puncak Regency, Central Papua, died from diarrhea triggered by hunger.

"It's true, his death due to diarrhea, right, there was no post-mortem doctor who died of hunger, nothing. Yes, diarrhea is due to hunger," said the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 9, as reported by Antara.

The three districts in Central Papua, namely Agandugume, Lambewi and Oneri, experienced hunger due to crop failure. This condition is caused by tubers who are their staple food rot due to frozen dew and ice fog.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture admitted that he was annoyed with the statement that 6 residents in Central Papua died from diarrhea. But in reality in the field, the diarrhea was caused by people being forced to eat rotten tubers and no more choice.

"Yes, the diarrhea was caused by hunger. I was a bit angry yesterday there. Diving, when there was this is not because of hunger, but diarrhea. Yes, the diarrhea is because he is hungry," he said.

He added that the government is looking for solutions to find types of tubers that can survive extreme weather so that food availability in Puncak Regency can still be available in all conditions.

On the other hand, due to the drought, around 4,000 families were affected. The government distributes basic assistance in stages for three districts.

The government also plans to build a logistics warehouse in Agandugume District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province, to anticipate a food crisis due to drought in the area.