DPD RI proposes limited meeting with TNI and Police chiefs to discuss protection for healthcare workers in Papua

Manokwari (ANTARA) - Chairman of Committee III of the DPD RI, Filep Wamafma, has proposed that DPD RI leaders hold a limited meeting with the TNI Commander and the National Police Chief to formulate strategic steps for protecting healthcare workers in conflict-prone areas, such as Papua.

Healthcare workers face various risks of violence, even loss of life, while carrying out their duties in regions like Papua Pegunungan, Maybrat Regency, and Tambrauw Regency in Southwest Papua, as well as other high-risk areas.

“Healthcare workers often become victims, both of their property and lives. The state is obliged to be present and provide maximum protection for them in conflict-prone areas,” said Filep in a written statement received in Manokwari, West Papua, on Tuesday.

According to him, security factors are the main challenge in ensuring the continuity of health services for the community in conflict areas, even though various policies related to improving the welfare of healthcare workers have been implemented.

An assault incident carried out by unknown persons that killed two out of four healthcare workers in Jokbu Village, Bamusbama District, on 16 March 2026 around 11:37 WIT reflects that protection for healthcare workers remains highly vulnerable.

“If healthcare workers continue to become victims, this is a setback for the state in providing protection,” he said.

In addition, he stated that Committee III of the DPD RI has conveyed the issue to the Ministry of Health in a meeting discussing the implementation of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, with the hope that it will be followed up by the government.

Guarantees of security, safety, and welfare for healthcare workers are basic rights that must be fulfilled by the state as an effort to support the optimisation of health services in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.

“We have already conveyed this in a meeting with the Ministry of Health at the DPD RI Building in Jakarta last Tuesday (13/4). We hope for attention from the government,” said this senator from West Papua.