Constrained By Security Factors, Assistance For Residents In 2 Districts Of Central Papua Cannot Be Distributed

Logistics assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs for residents affected by hunger due to extreme weather in Kuyawage District, Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua. BETWEEN/HO-Kemensos/aa. (Head of Ministry of Social Affairs)

CENTRAL PAPUA - Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Puncak Regency, Central Papua, Darwin Tobing said that the delivery of various aids to the people in the two districts affected by extreme weather was hampered by security factors. "It is true that the security factor has caused various airlines to be reluctant to fly to the Agandugume and Lmbewi districts, which are currently experiencing disasters due to extreme weather in the region," Darwin said as quoted by Antara, Friday, July 28. The extreme weather that caused the residents' crops to dry and die has occurred since last June. The Puncak Regional Government has sent food aid through Sinak District which then carried it on foot for about two days to reach Agandugume District. Darwin explained that the Puncak Regional Government from the start was ready to provide logistical assistance for two districts but was constrained because no airlines wanted to serve the district. As a result, logistical assistance prepared by the regional government cannot be sent to Agandugume, even though local residents have provided security guarantees. According to him, the airline does not dare to serve the region due to cases of hostage-taking and shooting of aircraft serving the interior.

Currently, assistance from various parties, including the TNI Commander, is still in Timika, waiting for transportation to Agandugume. "The aid from Agandugume will be distributed to Lambewi, which is the expansion district of Agandugume," said Darwin Tobing.