Torrential rains have forced Indonesian rescuers to suspend their efforts to find 14 missing gold miners after a landslide in the remote east of the country killed six of their colleagues.
Officials reported on Monday that the weather and difficult terrain were hindering the search for the workers in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua.
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Torrential rain triggered a landslide and floods late on Friday near a small mine run by residents in the Arfak Mountains in West Papua province, Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Agency for Disaster Management, told the Reuters news agency.
The storm swept away temporary shelters used by the miners, killing at least six people and injuring four, he reported.
“The floodwaters from upstream hit a temporary housing area of traditional gold miners at around 9:00 pm (1200 GMT),” Muhari said in a statement.
The search to locate the missing miners has been hampered by “damaged roads and mountainous tracks as well as bad weather,” said Yefri Sabaruddin, the head of a team of 40 rescuers, including police and military officials.
He noted that it took 12 hours to travel to the site from the nearest town.
Authorities said they plan to resume their search for the missing on Tuesday.
Tricky regulation
Unlicensed mines are common across the mineral-rich Southeast Asian archipelago nation, where abandoned sites attract locals who hunt for leftover gold ore without proper safety equipment.
That leaves them open to accidents as operations located in remote areas and in difficult conditions make it hard for the authorities to regulate them.
Her working visit reflected the central government’s commitment to accelerating the development of South Papua, a part of the New Autonomous Regions (DOB), to support the goal of Indonesia becoming an advanced country by 2045.
Upon arriving at Mopah Airport at 8:20 a.m. local time, Haluk went to the South Papua Administration Zone (KPP) construction site located in the Salor Integrated Independent City (KTM) area, Kurik sub-district.
She was accompanied by South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo.
“After our visit, we can see that construction is progressing. The Provincial People’s Representative Council (DPRP) office has reached 11 percent. The Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) office is also showing development, and the Governor’s Office is currently at 11 percent progress,” Haluk said.
She expressed optimism that all construction projects in the KPP area would be completed on time by the end of December 2025. According to her, infrastructure readiness is key to ensure that the South Papua administration can operate independently and deliver effective public services.
She also thanked local communities for their support in advancing development in the region, and called for maintaining synergy among all stakeholders, including the DPRP, MRP, the military and police, and the public.
She added that her side will continue to monitor and assist in the KPP project completion. She also encouraged all stakeholders in South Papua to maintain the spirit of development toward regional progress.
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Translator: Narda, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Coalition Government are detached from the values that Fijians hold dear, said the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR).
They have expressed deep concern over the Fiji Prime Minister’s ongoing engagements with Indonesia.
“History will judge how we respond as Fijians to this moment. We must not stay silent when Pacific people are being occupied and killed,” said NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali.
She said Mr Rabuka was extended a grant of $12 million by Indonesia recently and received proposals for joint military training.
“Is Fiji’s continuing silence on West Papua yet another example of being muzzled by purse strings?”
“As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.”
“True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability.”
“It is imperative that Pacific leaders not only advocate for peace and cooperation in the region but also continue to hold Indonesia to account on ongoing human rights violations in West Papua.”
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