1) Govt to introduce weather-resistant tuber to tackle Papua famine

2) TPNPB claims to attack and shoot officer in Maybrat, investigation underway   

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/297561/govt-to-introduce-weather-resistant-tuber-to-tackle-papua-famine

1) Govt to introduce weather-resistant tuber to tackle Papua famine 

 8 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government will introduce a high-quality tuber variety that is resistant to extreme weather as a permanent solution to overcome hunger in a number of regions in Yahukimo, Highland Papua province.

"The introduction of high-quality tuber variety that is weather-resistant is (to be) carried out in areas where crops have been unproductive due to extreme weather dynamics," Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, informed here on Tuesday.

With tuber crops failing due to extreme weather, a famine has been reported in Amuma sub-district, Yahukimo, which has left at least 15 thousand people starving.

The government has started distributing staples to a number of affected regions as a short-term solution.

In addition to the planting of weather-resistant tubers, the government will also build food warehouses around the affected areas.

The high-quality tuber variety was developed through cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Effendy said.

In addition to preparing the tuber variety, he added, the government will transfer appropriate agricultural technology to the affected regions in Highland Papua.

The government expects that with appropriate technology and reliable food crops, the yearly famine can end soon.

"I have discussed this with the new (Agricultural) Minister. I hope the cooperation that was established with the old minister will not be cut off. Soon, I will visit Papua with the Minister of Agriculture and officials from the Social Affairs Ministry," he added.

Earlier, Effendy said that the distribution of food assistance to Yahukimo, Highland Papua, has gone well.

"There were no obstacles. Not only (to Yahukimo), but (food aid distribution) to Agandugume, Lambewi, and Konawe, was also smooth," he added.

Related news: Food aid distribution to Highland Papua runs well: Minister Effendy
Related news: BNPB prepares aid to handle landslides, famine in Highland Papua
Related news: Govt partners with locals to distribute aid in famine-hit Puncak

Reporter: Asep F, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati

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https://en.jubi.id/tpnpb-claims-to-attack-and-shoot-officer-in-maybrat-investigation-underway/

2) TPNPB claims to attack and shoot officer in Maybrat, investigation underway   

News Desk - TPNPB 

1 November 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – In an incident that unfolded in Maybrat Regency, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed to have destroyed a heavy construction vehicle and shot a member of the Indonesian Military (TNI).

TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom, in a video statement, disclosed that TPNPB Commander IV Arnoldus Kocu from the Sorong Raya region led this operation, which targeted Ayata Village, located within the East Aifat District.

Sambom emphasized the lack of any safe areas within their operational territory, citing ongoing conflict in their pursuit of Papua’s independence.

West Papua Police Chief, Insp. Gen. Daniel TM Silitonga, acknowledged that there was an incident involving arson at a construction project site for a community health center allegedly committed by an unidentified group. However, he firmly denied reports of casualties.

Silitonga assured the public that the situation in Maybrat remained calm, suggesting that local residents might be familiar with these sporadic incidents and were patiently awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation.

Contrary to the TPNPB’s claims of TNI casualties in the attack on Ayata Village, the Police chief dismissed these claims and labeled them as a hoax.

West Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Come. Adam Erwindi corroborated the occurrence of the incident, specifying that it took place in the early hours of Friday, October 27, 2023.

“Information about the incident was reported by the public to the TNI post in Ayata, indicating the burning of excavation equipment and damage to materials for the health center project with associated gunshots near the Ayata Post,” said Erwindi.

Erwindi disclosed that, as of now, no casualties have been reported as a result of the incident. He also confirmed that an investigation is currently underway, with the Maybrat Police actively leading the effort to ascertain the full details of the situation.

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