Indonesian Military Delivers Aid to Drought-Hit Communities in Papua

STUPA NEWS ■ PAPUA —  Indonesia's Military Operational Command (Koops TNI Habema) has delivered two metric tons of humanitarian aid to residents in three remote districts of Puncak Regency, Papua Highlands, following months of drought and food shortages, military officials said on Saturday.

The aid was distributed to the districts of Agandugume, Oneri and Lambewi, areas that are accessible mainly by air because of Papua's mountainous terrain. Troops transported supplies on foot after aircraft unloaded the cargo at landing sites located several kilometers from the destination villages.

The assistance included rice, staple food packages, instant noodles, sugar, nutritious milk for infants and children, and medicines, according to the military.

Commander of the Koops TNI Habema Territorial Task Force Brig. Gen. Stefie Jantje Nuhujanan said the operation was carried out despite difficult weather conditions, including heavy fog, low temperatures and rugged terrain.

He said the distribution was conducted in coordination with local authorities to ensure aid reached communities affected by prolonged drought.

Lambewi District Head Lanius Wenda said residents in Agandugume, Oneri and Lambewi had experienced drought and food shortages since June, as prolonged extreme weather reduced agricultural production and depleted food supplies.

He welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance, saying the aid would help affected families, particularly infants and children.

The military said air transport remained the fastest means of reaching the isolated communities because of the region's limited ground access. (Gusti)