After 15 Years of Isolation, Ugimba Reopens Access to Government Services

UGIMBA, STUPA NEWS — After years of limited access to government services, residents of Ugimba in Indonesia's Central Papua province have received a visit from senior military and local government officials as authorities seek to improve public services and infrastructure in the remote highland district.

Commander of the TNI Habema Operations Command Brig. Gen. Riyanto and Intan Jaya Regent Aner Maisini arrived in Ugimba on Thursday, Sept. 18, and met with local officials, community leaders, religious figures, young people and residents.

Ugimba has faced severe restrictions on access to government services and development for about 15 years, with its mountainous terrain, extreme weather and security conditions making the area difficult to reach.

The district can currently be reached by air, while an overland journey to the nearest accessible district covers about 70 kilometers, according to local officials.

The visit provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about food supplies, village assistance, infrastructure, education and other basic services.

Aner said development could not be sustained without security and public trust.

"Government presence must be reflected in concrete action, not only physical development but also attention to people's lives, children's education and access to basic needs," Aner said during the meeting.

The visit took place against the backdrop of a long-running security conflict in parts of Papua, where armed groups have operated in several remote areas.

Ugimba has previously been identified as a base associated with the armed group led by Sabinus Waker. Local and national media have reported on efforts by security forces and the government to expand access to the area.

During the meeting, Riyanto called on residents to help maintain peace and encouraged people who remain in the mountains and forests to return to their communities and take part in rebuilding their villages.

"We hope all our brothers and sisters who are still in the mountains and forests can return and work together to build their homeland," Riyanto said.

A resident named Tius said people in Ugimba had long experienced limited access to government services and development.

He also conveyed a message attributed to Sabinus Waker calling for government assistance, including rice, basic necessities, village development support and infrastructure.

"We need the government's attention because we need development, and we are also part of the government," Tius said, relaying the message.

The authorities and residents also worked together on infrastructure, including the construction of the Merah Putih Bridge.

The bridge is expected to improve connections between communities and provide better access to education, health services and economic activities.

For residents, infrastructure remains closely linked to the availability of basic public services. Children in Ugimba who attended the gathering spoke about their hopes of returning to school and continuing their education.

Some said they wanted to become soldiers, while others expressed ambitions to serve their communities through education and religious work.

The visit ended with the distribution of food and other basic necessities to residents.

For the local government, the visit represents part of a broader effort to restore public services and strengthen communication with communities in remote areas.

But sustained progress in Ugimba will depend on continued access, basic services and security conditions that allow residents to live and work without disruption. (Janne Sinten)