JAYAWIJAYA – The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to reaching vulnerable communities in remote parts of Papua through targeted and inclusive social assistance (bansos) programs. Amid complex geographical and social challenges, these policies are clear evidence that the state’s presence extends beyond densely populated areas to also embrace isolated indigenous communities.
In Jayawijaya Regency, the Social Affairs Office distributed rice aid to elderly members of the Mee Tribe residing in Wamena. This assistance is not only aimed at meeting basic food needs but also serves as recognition of the existence of the remaining indigenous groups. Yosua Douw, Regional Secretary of Tolikara and a prominent young figure from the Mee Tribe, said the aid holds deep significance.
“For the Mee people, this assistance is not merely logistics. It is an acknowledgment of our existence and a form of care that we deeply appreciate,” said Yosua Douw.
The social assistance program also reached the districts of Wosi, Kurulu, and Wedangku. Distribution was carried out transparently and with community participation to ensure the aid reached those who truly needed it. Beni Asso, Head of the Social Assistance Division of Jayawijaya’s Social Affairs Office, stated that the policy is implemented in accordance with directives from leadership.
“Every step of the distribution process follows leadership instructions to ensure no one is left out,” emphasized Beni Asso.
Active involvement from local communities has also supported accurate and effective distribution. The Head of Kurulu District, Natalis Surabut, initiated open discussions with community leaders and village heads before the aid was delivered.
“This participatory approach ensures that distribution is not only administratively sound but also accurately targeted and based on input from the community,” added Natalis Surabut.
Meanwhile, in Southwest Papua, the Sorong Selatan Regency Government distributed BPNT (Non-Cash Food Assistance), PKH (Family Hope Program), and economic stimulus aid to over 11,000 beneficiaries. Acting Regional Secretary of Sorong Selatan, Agustinus Wamafma, emphasized that the distribution process is based on continuously updated data.
“If there are residents deemed prosperous based on national indicators, they are automatically removed from the list of aid recipients,” concluded Agustinus Wamafma.
These social assistance programs, which reach small and remote communities, reflect the humanitarian face of government policy. Through empathetic and inclusive approaches, social justice is no longer just a discourse but a reality directly experienced by the people of Papua.