Starvation in Central Papua Caused by Extreme Weather and Security Issues, Says Jokowi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo claimed that the famine suffered in two districts in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, was caused by extreme cold weather and security factors. Jokowi has asked the Indonesian National Military (TNI) to escort the aid distribution process. 

The districts were also located in the high altitude, contributing to the extreme weather experienced in the area. "The problem is, the districts were situated in an area where no plants can grow in the event of snowfall," said Jokowi after inaugurating the Ciliwung tunnel in Jakarta, Monday, July 31, 2023. 

Jokowi also highlighted the security issue hindering the food supplies distribution process, with planes carrying the aid unwilling to land due to security-related problems. "The planes were afraid to land, it's a challenging domain," he said.

For that reason, Jokowi has asked the Coordinating Minister for PMK (Human Development and Culture) Muhadjir Effendy, the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, and the Head of BNPB (National Disaster Mitigation Agency) Lieutenant General Suharyanto to promptly deal with the famine. "That's why I have also ordered the military to help escort the aid distribution process," Jokowi added.

Previously, Willem Wandik, the Puncak Regent, claimed that the famine in Agandugume District and Lambewi District was caused by a long drought instead of extreme weather events as relayed by Jokowi. The famine has claimed six lives; five adults and a six-month-old infant.

"People died due to a shortage of food caused by the effects of a long drought. Meanwhile, food supplies aid is unable to be distributed properly to the region because of a security threat from the armed criminal group," Willem explained in a written statement on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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