JAYAPURA – Acting Regional Secretary of Papua Province, Suzana Wanggai, sent off humanitarian aid for communities affected by the earthquake in Sarmi Regency. The handover ceremony was held at the Main Hall of the Papua Governor’s Office. The assistance included one ton of rice, 30 cartons of ready-to-eat meals, and 25 cartons of bottled drinking water. (September 25, 2025)

Suzana emphasized that the presence of the provincial government was a tangible expression of concern for citizens impacted by the disaster. “This aid may not fully compensate for the losses caused by the earthquake, but we hope it can ease the community’s burden and show that the government is present and cares,” she said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency of Papua, Barkah Wisnu Raditya, explained that the earthquake in Sarmi Regency was classified as a shallow quake triggered by activity along the Mamberamo Thrust Belt. The affected areas included Mararena Subdistrict in Sarmi District, the western part of East Coast District, and West Coast District. “The damages identified include several houses, churches, mosques, health centers, and vehicles. The Regional Disaster Management Agency of Papua is coordinating with various parties, including mobilizing CSR support from enterprises under the Papua Provincial Government’s coordination, to optimize aid distribution,” Wisnu said.

The Papua Provincial Government continues to urge the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks and to work together to restore normalcy after the disaster. ***