Indonesian military delivers two tons of aid to drought-stricken Central Papua highlands

Indonesian military delivers two tons of aid to drought-stricken Central Papua highlands

Indonesian military personnel from the Habema Operations Command delivered two tons of humanitarian assistance on Saturday to communities suffering from drought and food shortages in Central Papua's mountainous Puncak District, navigating extreme terrain and weather conditions to reach isolated villages.

The aid reached residents in three subdistricts—Agandugume, Oneri, and Lambewi—after soldiers carried supplies on foot across dozens of kilometers of steep mountain slopes, valleys, and rivers in an operation that tested both their physical endurance and determination.

"The successful distribution of this aid was made possible through the cooperation and dedication of all personnel in the field, as well as support from the local government," said Brigadier General Stefie Jantje Nuhujanan, Territorial Task Force Commander for Koops TNI Habema, in a statement released Sunday.

Central Papua, established as a province in July 2022, encompasses the Sudirman Mountains, including Puncak Jaya—Indonesia's highest peak at 4,884 meters above sea level. The region's extreme geography and limited infrastructure create persistent food security challenges for highland communities, which depend heavily on external supplies due to low agricultural productivity and geographic isolation.

The current drought affecting the region aligns with scientific predictions of a significant El Niño event developing in mid-2026, bringing reduced rainfall and drought conditions to the western Pacific region, including Indonesian Papua. These climate patterns have compounded existing food security vulnerabilities in the highlands.

Extreme conditions challenge delivery mission

Military transport aircraft could not land near many destination villages due to lack of suitable airstrips, forcing personnel to unload supplies at locations dozens of kilometers away. From these drop points, soldiers transported rice, instant noodles, sugar, infant milk, and medicines across terrain where weather conditions shift rapidly between thick fog, heavy rain, and low temperatures.

The operation required troops to traverse slippery mountain trails while managing risks of landslides in an environment where daytime temperatures can drop to 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures fall to 9 degrees Celsius in highland areas.

"Extreme terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited access have never been reasons for us to stop. We are committed to ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need," Nuhujanan said.

Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna, Information Head for Koops TNI Habema, noted that the successful delivery of two tons of logistics demonstrated the commitment of TNI personnel to assist communities despite challenging natural conditions in the region.

Communities express gratitude for relief

Lambewi Subdistrict Head Lanius Wenda said residents in the three subdistricts have endured drought and food shortages since June 2026, as extreme weather reduced crop yields and depleted local food supplies.

"On behalf of the people of Agandugume, Oneri, and Lambewi subdistricts, we extend our deepest gratitude to the TNI, especially Koops TNI Habema. This assistance brings new hope to our communities," Wenda said, adding that the support proves particularly valuable for infants, children, and affected families.

The subdistrict head expressed hope that continued assistance would help meet residents' basic needs and enable conditions to recover.

Nuhujanan emphasized that the mission reflected more than logistics delivery, demonstrating the state's presence in supporting communities affected by drought and food shortages in Central Papua, a province covering 61,079 square kilometers with a population of approximately 1.49 million people.

"The TNI's presence is not only about maintaining security, but also about becoming part of the solution to the hardships faced by the people of Papua," he said.

Arthadiguna expressed hope that continued cooperation among the TNI, local governments, and communities would enable ongoing response to drought impacts and food shortages in Papua's mountainous regions.