Thelandofpapua.com – The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK) has announced that the construction of logistics warehouses and food storage facilities in two districts of Puncak Regency, Central Papua, is projected to be completed by August 2024.

Sorni Paskah Daeli, the Acting Deputy for Regional Development Equity and Disaster Management Coordination at Kemenko PMK, provided an update on the progress. “The construction of the logistics warehouse in Sinak has progressed to 96 percent as of June 14,” Daeli stated during a press briefing at the Kemenko PMK building on Monday, June 24, 2024. The Sinak facility is expected to be completed by the end of June 2024.

However, the construction in the Agandugume District is facing delays due to security challenges. “In Agandugume, we are still in the clearing area phase. Security personnel are still clearing the area because Agandugume is a crossing point for armed criminal groups (KKB). So, it must be thoroughly cleared first before construction can begin. The friends at the military command have promised that it will be completed in August,” Daeli explained.

The establishment of these logistics warehouses is a strategic move to mitigate the risk of extreme hunger in the region. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy highlighted the importance of these facilities, stating that the two highland districts were selected because distributing logistics to lowland districts is considered more feasible.

In 2023, Agandugume and Lambewi Districts in Puncak Regency experienced severe droughts that led to the rotting of staple food crops such as tubers. The prolonged dry season, coupled with extreme cold weather, resulted in crop failures and difficulties in accessing clean water. At that time, the government faced significant challenges in sending food aid due to inadequate infrastructure. Consequently, residents of Agandugume had to undertake a two-day and one-night journey to Sinak District to collect aid.

The completion of the logistics warehouses and food storage facilities in Sinak and Agandugume is anticipated to enhance the region’s resilience against future food shortages and improve the distribution of essential supplies to the highland areas of Central Papua.