Government Ensures Social Assistance Programs Reach All Regions of Papua
JAYAWIJAYA – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to reaching vulnerable communities in remote areas of Papua through the distribution of measured and impartial social assistance (bansos). Amid complex geographic and social challenges, this policy demonstrates that the state’s presence extends beyond densely populated areas to reach isolated indigenous communities.
In Jayawijaya Regency, the Social Services Department distributed rice aid to elderly Mee Tribe members living in Wamena. This aid not only fulfills food needs but also acknowledges the existence of this remaining indigenous group. The Regional Secretary of Tolikara and a young leader of the Mee Tribe, Yosua Douw, considered the aid extremely meaningful.
“For the Mee people, this aid is more than just logistics. It is a recognition of our existence and a form of care that we greatly appreciate,” said Yosua Douw.
The social assistance program also reaches the districts of Wosi, Kurulu, and Wedangku. Distribution is carried out transparently and participatory, ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it. Beni Asso, Head of the Social Assistance Division of the Jayawijaya Social Service, stated that this policy is being implemented in accordance with the leadership’s directives.
“We ensure every step of the distribution process is in accordance with the leadership’s instructions so that no one is left out of the reach of aid,” Beni Asso emphasized.
The active involvement of local communities also contributes to accurate distribution. The Head of Kurulu District, Natalis Surabut, initiated open discussions with community leaders and heads before aid was distributed.
“We are taking this participatory approach to ensure that distribution is not only administratively accurate, but also on-target and based on community input,” Natalis Surabut added.
Meanwhile, in Southwest Papua, the South Sorong Regency Government has distributed BPNT (Non-Cash Cash Assistance), PKH (Family Hope Program), and economic stimulus assistance to more than 11,000 beneficiaries. The Acting Regional Secretary of South Sorong, Agustinus Wamafma, emphasized that the distribution process is based on continuously updated data.
“If a resident is deemed prosperous based on central government indicators, they will automatically no longer receive assistance,” concluded Agustinus Wamafma.
This social assistance program, which reaches small and remote communities, demonstrates the humanitarian side of government policy. Through an empathetic and inclusive approach, social justice is no longer just talk, but a reality experienced directly by the Papuan people.
