EAST FLORES (October 24, 2024) – Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) swiftly responded to the aftermath of an ethnic conflict in West Adonara District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, which occurred on Monday (10/21/2014).


Disaster Response Volunteers (Tagana) and Regional Leaders’ Forum (Forkopimda) assisted evacuating victims from Bugalima Village to Wureh Village and distributed basic relief supplies.


“Initial aid has been distributed since October 21, right after the incident, using supplies from our social granaries,” said Adrianus Alla, Directorate of Social Protection for Social and Non-Natural Disaster-Affected People, on Thursday (10/24/2024).


The conflict, which arose from a land dispute between residents of Bugalima and Ilepati villages, culminated in the burning of dozens of homes. As a result, 52 households were affected and had to evacuate.


Following the evacuation, basic needs from a nearby social granary in East Flores were immediately provided to the affected victims, while awaiting further assistance.


"We ensure that their basic requirements are met, including food. We are distributing essential supplies from a social granary in East Flores, such as ready-to-eat food, staple foods, and other essentials,” Adrianus added.


In addition to these supplies, MoSA is currently sending further aid from its main granary in Bekasi and granaries in MoSA technical implementation units. This assistance is expected to arrive on Friday (10/25/2024).


MoSA also plans to meet with religious and community leaders to identify the roots of the ongoing land dispute and seek solutions to this recurring issue.


Adrianus mentioned that MoSA team would also assess the residents to determine their potential for empowerment. It is envisaged that this empowerment will allow residents to diversify their economic activity beyond agriculture, increasing financial resilience and minimizing the likelihood of future social disputes.