DPD Special Committee Reveals Plight of Displaced Residents in Papua's Puncak Region
Yorrys Raweyai, Deputy Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), has revealed the condition of hundreds of refugees in the Puncak area of Central Papua affected by conflict, following his visit to three districts in the region on Sunday (2/8).
The chairman of the Special Committee (Pansus) on the Handling of Conflict and Security in Papua said the hundreds of refugees had lost their jobs and livelihoods. Most of the refugees come from the districts of Yugumuak, Oneri, Agandugume, and Lambewi.
“They have lost their livelihoods and the opportunity to farm and garden, and their children struggle to access a decent education because of the conflict affecting the areas where they live,” Yorrys said in a statement on Tuesday (4/8).
He said the refugees currently find it difficult to return to their homes because the situation has not yet subsided. Meanwhile, the number of non-organic troops continues to grow, leaving the community suffering from prolonged security trauma.
Yorrys said the DPD Special Committee would gather facts on the ground to inform its work after the recess period.
During the visit, Yorrys also handed over cash assistance and staple food packages to communities at the displacement sites. He assured that the committee would follow up on the aspirations of refugees affected by the conflict.
“We are not only looking at the problem from a security perspective, but also placing the protection of civilians, the fulfilment of basic rights, and the restoration of social life as an inseparable part of resolving the Papua conflict,” he said.
He said the DPD RI Special Committee would continue to push for recommendations capable of addressing the root causes of the conflict. Yorrys believes the state must be present to provide protection and solutions for the people.
“The people need certainty to live in safety, to obtain education and healthcare services, and to have the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.