Jayapura – Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk emphasized that the central government is fully present to restore security in Wamena, Papua Highlands, following the conflict that has impacted the community in the region.
In a coordination meeting on the security situation in Wamena, Papua Highlands, on Saturday, Ribka said the government will ensure that the conflict is handled comprehensively, prioritizing community recovery until conditions return to normal.
“On behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, on behalf of the Central Government, we express our highest appreciation and gratitude to the people of Wamena and all development components that have made rescue efforts,” Ribka said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
The coordination meeting was attended by the Governor of Papua Highlands, regents, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), the Traditional Community Institution (LMA), religious leaders, community leaders, and several other stakeholders.
Ribka appreciated the community’s swift response in assisting affected residents and maintaining control during the conflict.
“First, to the people of Wamena, who immediately responded quickly and took positive action to help each other and maintain peace,” she said.
She asked the provincial and district governments to immediately collect data on affected residents and calculate the joint response needs of the eight districts in Highland Papua.
According to Ribka, the results of the data collection will form the basis for the government in determining financial support through the district budget (APBD), the provincial budget (APBD), and central government assistance.
“Together, we are all responsible. This data collection will be the basis for calculating the government’s ability to assist the affected residents,” she said.
Ribka emphasized that all government elements, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and security forces have agreed to end the conflict and prioritize social recovery for the community.
“We have declared that the conflicts are no longer present. Now we are focused on resolving governance issues and recovering the affected communities,” she stated firmly.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will also facilitate the drafting of a Special Regional Regulation (Perdasus) regarding conflict management in the eight districts of Highland Papua to ensure that the process has a clear legal basis.
In addition to leading the coordination meeting, Ribka, along with the local government, inspected burned houses, hospitals, and evacuation sites to ensure that the community’s basic needs were met.
The government is also preparing for the gradual repatriation of evacuees once the security situation is declared stable.
“The bottom line is that people must return to normal life, and they can resume their activities as usual. Economic activities, education, and health care are all running smoothly,” said Ribka.
