Lighten Grief of Wamena Refugees

Head of Tzu Chi Biak Susanto Pirono, on behalf of Tzu Chi Indonesia handing in the humanitarian aid in a symbolic ceremony to Maj. Gen. TNI Herman Asaribab, XVII Cenderawasih military commander.

On 23 September 2019, a clash caused by a terror act done by irresponsible people happened in Wamena, Jayawijaya district, Papua. This was followed by thousands of residents in Wamena flee the region to seek refuge. The riot resulted with a high number of fatalities. Aside from fatalities, engine vehicles and administration offices were burned down. The riot was started by a wave of protest over a racially tinged incident in Surabaya, East Java. Initially, the protest was done peacefully, before it turned into violence and anarchy.

The riot claims to be targeting non-native residents, however, in contrary, there were a number of non-native residents who were saved by Papuans living in Wamena. These people were taken to a safe place, such as Kodim 1702 Wamena (military command building), Jayawijaya police station, mosques, and churches.

The condition of the refugees was concerning. People fear over their safety, and worry about missing family members. A lot of people chose to leave Wamena temporarily. However, leaving Wamena is not easy. Wamena is located high up at 1800 mdpl above the sea level, in the middle of Baliem Valley, surrounded by Jayawijaya mountain. To get to Jayapura from Wamena, people have to go by air, however, commercial airlines operating in Wamena doesn’t have big enough aircrafts to accommodate the number of people who wish to leave the city.

Refugees, dominated by women and children are getting off the aircraft.

Tzu Chi volunteers provide care and motivation to the refugees and their families.

Indonesia Air Forces (TNI AU), in this case, Silas Papare Air Base then initiated to arrange the evacuation process. The Hercules aircraft that was meant to transport armed forces and logistic, was utilized to evacuate people from Wamena, taking them to Jayapura. However, the aircraft can only take 150 people at one go.

After hearing the information about the evacuation operated by the Air Force, thousands of people flock to Wamena airport in a hope to be evacuated. They patiently registered themselves and waited for their turn to go to a safer place.

As time went by, the lives of the people living in the refugee camp was getting more difficult. Especially after the economy is down due to the riots. After hearing such condition, Tzu Chi Biak felt moved to provide help to these people in Wamena. The humanitarian mission was done together with Kodam XVII Cenderawasih, to distribute aid for refugees. A symbolic ceremony for this humanitarian aid was held at the XVII Cenderawasih Military Command building, before taken by Tzu Chi Biak volunteers to Silas Papare air base.

The humanitarian aid included rice (3 tons), instant noodles (500 boxes), biscuits (500 boxes), mineral water (500 boxes), eggs (300 crates), cooking oil (100 boxes), plastic mat (1,000 pieces), blankets (562 pieces), and 1100 L profile tank (6 pieces). There were a total of 28 items, with total weight of 15 tons that was given by Tzu Chi foundation and taken by a Hercules aircraft from Silas Papare air base.

Amid the anxious situation, the presence of Tzu Chi volunteers who provide aid and care helped soothing refugees’ mind.

A total of 15 tons of humanitarian aid consisting 28 different items given by Tzu Chi and was taken by Hercules aircraft from Silas Papare air base.

XVII Cenderawasih Military Command commander Maj. Gen Herman Asaribab said, “Thank you very much to Tzu Chi Indonesia for giving their attention to these refugees.” He also said that, in the future, Kodam XVII Cenderawasih will be ready to work together with Tzu Chi Indonesia for its social and health mission, and other related-activities that could help and improve people’s lives in Papua.

Silas Papare Jayapura Airbase commander (Danlanud) Marsma TNI Ir. Tri Bowo Budi Santoso, MM., M. Tr. (Han) who was in charge of the logistics and transportation for the aid also said that the transporting of people and the humanitarian aid was necessary for the security and peace for the people, especially the refugees. “The air forces don’t take any fee for this transportation. Even refugees who arrived in Jayapura will be given food and transportation to get to the refugee gathering point,” said Marsma TNI Ir. Tri Bowo Budi Santoso.  

Editor: Hadi Pranoto