KASONAWEJA – Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, made a direct visit to Kasonaweja Village in Mamberamo Raya Regency to deliver aid to communities affected by flooding in the region. His presence reflects the Papua Provincial Government’s concern for the ongoing natural disaster. (May 10)

In his address, the Acting Governor emphasized the importance of synergy among the regency, provincial, and national governments in finding long-term solutions to the floods, which occur seasonally in the area:

“I came personally so that the community knows the government is present and cares. This is the time for us to sit down together – the regency, province, and central government – to find a permanent solution to the flooding issue,” stated Ramses Limbong.

He also conveyed that during this visit, he received various community aspirations directly, along with the Speaker of the Papua Provincial Parliament (DPR Papua) and relevant technical agencies, who accompanied him. These aspirations included development concerns and public needs, including the unresolved appointment of DPR Papua and DPRK members through the selection mechanism.

Vice Regent of Mamberamo Raya, Keven Totouw, expressed appreciation for the swift response from the Papua Provincial Government in delivering aid. He said the moment marked a strong beginning for enhancing collaboration between the regency and the province under the new administration:

“With the number of regencies/cities now reduced in Papua Province, we hope for greater attention toward Mamberamo Raya. We are still striving to catch up,” he stated.

Traditional leader Mr. Terianus Levin Bisararisi and a youth representative also thanked the provincial government, while voicing hopes for more attention to the structural problems still faced by the Mamberamo Raya community.

The aid distributed included:

• 9 tons of Government Rice Reserves from the Ministry of Social Affairs
• 4 tons of rice from the local government
• 2 tons of basic food supplies
• Medicines
• 50 tarpaulins from the Provincial Disaster Management Agency
• Milk and supplementary food for children and pregnant women from the Papua Provincial Family Welfare Empowerment Team

Kasonaweja Village became the third distribution point after Teba and Bagusa Villages. The aid was delivered using KM Cantika 88. The distribution will continue over the coming weeks in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs, reaching villages upstream along the Mamberamo River.

The handover event was lively, marked by traditional dances and direct inspection of several houses and areas still affected by the flood. ***