President Jokowi Calls on Gov’t Officials to Tackle Extreme Weather Impacts in Papua

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers a press statement after inaugurating the Ciliwung River Channel to the East Flood Canal (BKT), Jakarta, Monday (07/31). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (07/31) urged relevant officials at the central and regional levels to tackle the effects of extreme weather in Central Papua that caused droughts, crop failures, and hunger issues.

“I have ordered Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Minister of Social Affairs, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and also relevant regional institutions in Papua to take immediate action,” the President said.

According to the President, one of the challenges facing Central Papua is that plants cannot grow in certain areas during winter due to very high altitudes.

On that occasion, the President also revealed that there were security constraints that hindered the delivery of food aid to affected areas.

Therefore, the President ordered the Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) to oversee the delivery of the aid.

“I also ordered the TNI to assist with the escort. The problem is always the same, the difficult terrain makes it inaccessible, and the pilots do not dare go down there. That’s the problem,” the President remarked. (FID/UN) (RIF/MUR)