Overcoming the Drought’s Effect, Minister of Social Affairs Will Build Social Granaries in Central Papua

JAKARTA (August 8^th, 2023) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini says that 25 tons of assistance is distributed to the citizens affected by drought in Agandugume District and Lambewi District in Puncak Regency, Central Papua. Ministry of Social Affairs also prepares social granaries as a means to reinforce local food security for the long term.

In a press conference with the media, the Minister of Social Affairs stated that the total assistance of 25 tons was an accumulation of 15.1 tons of assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs, 8 tons from the TNI Commander, and more than 2 tons from PT Freeport. The Minister of Social Affairs explained disaster management together with various parties.

"We can't do this alone. Indonesian National Armed Force and local clergy assist us. I got the news on Saturday (July 23^rd). It was already evening," Minister of Social Affairs says in the Ministry of Social Affairs Office on Salemba Street Number 28 on Thursday (August 3^rd).

At the time, Minister of Social Affairs immediately sent aid from the warehouse in Jayapura to Timika by cargo plane the next day Sunday (July 23^rd). Meanwhile, logistics from Jakarta were flown on Monday (July 24^th) with the help of the Indonesian Air Force's Hercules aircraft. The Minister of Social Affairs acknowledged that 50% of the assistance distribution was assisted by the Indonesian Air Force, including the aid flight from Timika to Sinak Airfield which was carried out in several stages.

The plan to land the assistance directly at Agandugume Airport could not be carried out because it was under repair. The nearest option is in Sinak Airfield. It turns out that the access is too far and too difficult for the resident. They had to walk for two days and a night to reach Sinak Airfield. At first, the Minister of Social objected, but after a discussion with the pastor, this option was taken.

"I want to send an electric trail bike. We are ready to distribute it, but there is no accessible road," Minister of Social Affairs says when she explains the difficulty of the terrain and access to the assistance distribution.

During the trip, residents get help from other residents. In Oneri District, the beneficiaries are given a place to rest and eat.

"The spirit of solidarity in Papua is evident. Getting the assistance means it's not just for myself," Acting Head of Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Adrianus Alla says.

Ensuring Safe Condition

In a press conference, the Minister of Social Affairs confirms that the distribution went safe and conducive. Although initially there were concerns about security risks, the Minister of Social Affairs communicates with religious leaders so that the distribution can be carried out immediately.

"I say that we have to be quick, bearing in mind that the residents are already starving and it's winter again. I say that the Indonesian National Armed Force has assisted us in speeding up the distribution," the Minister of Social Affairs says.

She thinks the religious leaders understand that Ministry of Social Affairs and the Indonesian National Armed Forces are on a humanitarian mission that requires a quick response. The Minister of Social Affairs explains the residents mingled with the Ministry of Social Affairs Team and the TNI, and the distribution took place in an orderly manner.

"It turns out that when we transport the assistance, there was National Armed Force’s transportation. There were also friends from the Ministry of Social Affairs. They had no problems. They joined. There were pictures for proof," she says while showing photo documentation of the distribution.

Social Barn

Drought Disaster in Puncak Regency is an annual circle. Therefore, Minister of Social Affairs finalizes the plan to build a social granary. Social Barn in Puncak Regency will be different from a social granary in other areas due to different topography, weather, and culture.

“We are thinking about this because the condition is different from another area in Indonesia which I’ve stated before. The condition reaches minus degree,” Minister of Social Affairs says.

The Social Barn is hoped to elevate local food security. Minister of Social Affairs Affairs says that the Ministry will involve church and also hold a direct survey to the location after the winter ends. Based on early communication, the most suitable crop is root crops because they are more durable than rice. Besides, Minister of Social Affairs also pays attention to the intake of animal protein.

“Yesterday, we discussed how difficult to get meat. For example, if we distribute seasoned meat, they’ll ask what kind of meat it is. Thus, the easiest to be bred is a pig. We feed the pig under the church’s coordination,” she says.

Meat intake fulfillment by farming pigs is the most possible choice. Meat from the pig farm can later be used as buffer stock and eaten in winter. Minister of Social Affairs says that the social barns are planned to be organized by the church because local government faces road and transportation obstacles. In addition, the church is the closest to the people. Thus, when the drought strikes, buffer stocks can be distributed directly and there won’t be any casualties due to famine.