Social Affairs Ministry and Komnas HAM Join Forces to Aid Puncak Conflict Refugees

The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) have agreed to synergise in handling refugees affected by the conflict in Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province. The agreement was discussed during an audience between Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono at the Kemensos office in Jakarta. Agus Jabo stated that the safety and comfort of the refugees impacted by the conflict are the top priority. Therefore, synergy and collaboration between ministries, agencies, and local governments are necessary to ensure optimal and comprehensive handling. “We have now jointly agreed that our focus, which must be responded to as quickly as possible, is the refugees in Puncak Regency,” Agus Jabo said in a written statement on Monday (10/8/2026). To meet the basic needs of the refugees, Kemensos had previously distributed emergency aid to approximately 1,000 self-settled displaced persons scattered across several locations. The aid included basic foodstuffs and clothing, such as rice, cooking oil, biscuits, instant noodles, granulated sugar, ground coffee, blankets, adult clothing, and children’s clothing. “So, for Puncak Regency, we have actually responded by providing emergency aid at several refugee points, which we have identified as self-settled refugees, not in shelters,” he said. In addition to logistical aid for victims displaced in the emergency situation, Kemensos can also provide compensation for deceased victims and those with severe injuries. He explained that this aid can be distributed based on data proposed by the local government to Kemensos. Meanwhile, Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian revealed that based on data compiled by the commission, there are more than 5,000 refugees affected by the escalation of violence in Puncak Regency. “According to the provincial government’s version, there are approximately 2,239 people, but our moderate estimate is that the number could indeed exceed 5,000,” he said. Responding to this, Agus Jabo confirmed that Kemensos will provide support for the refugees in Puncak Regency. He expressed hope that local governments will synergise in the data collection process so that proposals can be submitted to Kemensos promptly. “Because this is a recent conflict in Puncak Regency, we need synergy in data collection between agencies. From this data collection, we request that a proposal be submitted by the Regional Head to Kemensos,” he concluded.