Nabire – The Provincial Government of Central Papua has demonstrated its commitment to responding swiftly to the urgent social situation caused by armed conflict in Intan Jaya and Puncak Regencies. Over the past week, clashes between the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka/OPM) and security forces of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and National Police (Polri) have resulted in casualties, injuries, and forced many civilians to flee their homes in search of safety.
As an expression of concern for the directly affected communities, Governor of Central Papua, Meki Nawipa, through the Integrated Disaster and Conflict Response Team, took swift action by preparing and dispatching humanitarian aid to the affected regions. The assistance includes staple food items, medical supplies, and a support team to directly distribute the aid and monitor the situation on the ground.
“Last Friday, the provincial government, together with technical agencies such as the Health Office, Education Office, Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and others, held an emergency meeting to formulate response measures for this social crisis. Today, the first batch of aid has been sent,” said Acting Regional Secretary of Central Papua, Dr. Silwanus Soemoele, on Monday (May 19, 2025).
The official dispatch of the aid took place at Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire, led by the Head of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and Civil Service Police Unit, Victor Fun, representing the Governor. He was accompanied by Acting Head of the Health Office, Dr. Agus, and Acting Head of the Social Affairs Office, Semi Gobai.
“The first batch of aid to Intan Jaya was flown today in two flights operated by Smart Air,” said Victor Fun via WhatsApp. The first flight carried 1.2 tons of logistics from the Social Affairs Office, including rice, bottled water, sugar, instant noodles, sweetened condensed milk, and tea bags.
The second flight transported 468 kilograms of Additional Food Supplies (PMT), disposable medical supplies, and medicines packed in 56 boxes, along with an additional 400 kilograms of logistics from the Social Affairs Office. In addition to the logistics, the Crisis Response Team also deployed one representative each from the Health Office, BPBD, and Social Affairs Office.
The deployed team is not only tasked with delivering the aid but also with directly monitoring the situation in evacuation sites and ensuring the accurate distribution of aid. They are expected to provide regular reports to the Central Papua Provincial Government for evaluation and future planning.
Victor explained that the medical aid sent is adjusted to the existing healthcare service capacities in the affected areas. “We are awaiting a final report from the Head of the Health Office in Intan Jaya before dispatching additional medical supplies. This step ensures that the aid is targeted and effective,” he added.
According to Victor, the Governor of Central Papua has also coordinated with local governments to ensure that the aid is received and properly distributed to the affected communities. “We want the public to know that the government is present among them. This is not just about logistics but a demonstration of solidarity and the state’s tangible presence during this humanitarian emergency,” he stated.
The relief efforts will not stop at Intan Jaya. Plans are in place to continue aid delivery to Sinak District in Puncak Regency. Victor mentioned that on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, aid to Sinak will be sent via two flights operated by MAF.
“The first flight will carry one ton of aid from the Social Affairs Office, consisting of basic food items such as rice, sugar, bottled water, milk, instant noodles, tea bags, and additional blankets,” he explained. The second flight will transport crisis response personnel similar to the first deployment, tasked with delivering and monitoring the distribution of aid.
The logistics for the Puncak shipment have been collected at the MAF cargo area and are expected to be flown on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on weather conditions and technical readiness. “We hope for favorable weather so that the distribution process can proceed smoothly,” said Victor.
Meanwhile, reports from the field indicate that the security situation in Intan Jaya and Puncak remains unstable. Most residents are taking shelter in safer locations, such as the homes of fellow villagers, as official evacuation centers have not yet been established.
As a result, access to medical aid and logistics remains extremely limited. In Sinak District, for instance, some residents have taken refuge near health facilities like local clinics to be closer to emergency assistance if needed.
Through this initiative, the Central Papua Provincial Government aims to ensure that conflict-affected residents do not feel abandoned. The delivery of aid, presence of field teams, and ongoing monitoring are part of a genuine effort to alleviate the suffering of citizens and uphold humanitarian values amid the continuing armed conflict.
