Ministry of Social Affairs Prepares Nduga Refugees Assistance

JAKARTA (July 20, 2019) - The condition of residents due to the Nduga Papua conflict at the refugee camps is still in a state of concern, they are experiencing hunger and cold. To help alleviate the suffering of refugees, Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has ordered Director General of Social Security Protection and staff to immediately check the distribution of aid that has been distributed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, so that it is truly up to and can be felt by all refugees.

"Coordinating with the Papua Social Services and Nduga Social Services, so that all assistance through the Ministry of Social Affairs and those from the Papua and Nduga governments, can immediately help ease the burden of the refugees," said the Minister of Social Affairs through Head of The Public Relations Bureau Sonny W Manalu's in a release delivered to Mass Media, Saturday (07/20/2019).

Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang also said that if needed according to the results of the field assessment, the Aid from the Ministry of Social Affairs can be added, especially food and children's needs. "I am responsible for that," said the Minister emphasized.

As is known, in February there was armed contact between The Indonesian National Armed Forces / The Indonesian National Police and the armed group led by Eganus Kogoya. As a result, 2000 more residents of Mbua, Mapenduma, Nikuri, and Mbulmu Yalma were forced to choose to flee because of fear. They fled to a place that was considered tranquil.

Of the 2000 refugees, approximately 600 people are students of junior high and senior high school. As the data compiled through Director General of Social Security Protection Harry Hikmat, assistance that has been distributed by the Government includes 50 tons of rice and assistance in the form of; instant noodles, coffee, sugar, sardines, cleaning equipment and cooking utensils.

Next help; 370 packages of school supplies, 250 packages of play equipment, 30 packages of sports equipment. As well as 850 packages of equipment aid for vulnerable groups (the elderly and toddlers). The total value of aid is Rp.740,449,000.

At present, Officers from the Directorate General of Social Protection for Social Disaster Victims Joko are at the location to check and ensure the distribution of aid. Immediately after the displacement of around 2000 residents of Nduga, as explained by Harry Hikmat, the Ministry of Social Affairs has dispatched an Team of Psychosocial Support Service from the Directorate of Social Protection for Social Disaster Victims. Through the Team of Psychosocial Support Service, it is expected to be able to help deal with the trauma experienced by refugees, especially mothers and children, both toddlers and school-age children.

Head of Public Relations Bureau Ministry of Social Affairs RI

Sonny W. Manalu