The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture estimates that the construction of logistics warehouses and food barns in two districts of Puncak Regency, Central Papua province will be completed in August 2024.

Deputy for Coordination of Equal Regional Development and Disaster Management, Sorni Easter Daeli, explained that the construction of a logistics warehouse in the Sinak district is expected to be completed in June 2024. “Construction of the logistics warehouse in Sinak has reached 96 percent progress as of June 14,” said Sorni, Monday (24/6/2024).

Meanwhile, the logistics warehouse construction process in Agandugume District is estimated to be completed in August 2024. According to Sorni, development progress in the Agandugume District is progressing more slowly because the area is a crossing point for Papuan separatist groups.

“In Agandugume there is still a clearing area. Security officers are still cleaning the area because the Agandugume area is a crossroads of Papuan separatists. So it has to be removed far away before it can be built. “In August the promise from the Indonesian army will be completed,” said Sorni.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy revealed that the construction of a logistics warehouse which will also become a food barn is to anticipate extreme hunger in the Papua region.

According to Muhadjir, the two districts were chosen because they are in the highlands. Distribution of logistics to districts in the lowlands is considered to be easier. In 2023, Agandugume District and Lambewi District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua will be hit by a drought which causes tubers as a staple food to rot.

The drought which is the cause of crop failure is influenced by the prolonged dry season accompanied by extreme cold weather. The drought also made it difficult for residents to get clean water. However, the government at that time had difficulty sending food aid there due to the lack of infrastructure. Finally, residents of Agandugume district needed to travel for two days and one night to Sinak District to pick up aid.