PESAWAT DIBAKAR, IBU MELAHIRKAN MENINGGAL. YAHUKIMO PAPUA PEGUNUNGAN TERISOLASI MASALAH KEAMANAN

Summary

Geography and air access

Yahukimo Regent Didimus Yahuli says the district’s remote, mountainous geography makes air travel essential. Many communities have no road access, so small aircraft transport medicine, medical staff, teachers, school supplies, and other necessities. He estimates that more than 200 pioneer airstrips serve the district’s 51 subdistricts and approximately 510 villages.

The shooting of a pilot and the burning of an aircraft have left airlines and pilots unwilling to resume some flights because of safety concerns. Yahuli says the resulting isolation has interrupted emergency medical evacuations. He reports that a woman died after giving birth when no aircraft was available to take her for care. Schools and deliveries of food and medicine have also been affected. He urges those responsible to recognize the harm caused and calls for security guarantees so pilots, airlines, and teachers can return.

Security and community cooperation

Yahuli says security requires cooperation among the local government, police, military, community and church leaders, and residents. He describes Yahukimo’s 12 tribes as generally living peacefully, but says recent security problems appear connected to ideological tensions, though their origins are unclear. The local government, he says, is coordinating through regional leadership forums and supporting patrols.

Smoke, drought, and essential services

Yahuli says smoke from fires has prevented aircraft from entering Yahukimo for more than a week. Low river levels have further restricted transport and access to water. He warns that disrupted deliveries could raise prices and worsen health risks, including respiratory illness, while also affecting children’s schooling. He calls for coordinated efforts to extinguish the fires and for emergency measures, alongside prayer for rain.

Development priorities

Yahuli describes his administration’s goals as a “healthy, smart and independent Yahukimo.” He cites efforts to improve schools and health services by contracting teachers and medical workers, building classrooms and health centers, and supporting housing and bridges.

He says poverty has fallen and human-development indicators have improved, while acknowledging that security problems—including attacks on pilots and teachers—undermine progress.

Local economy and funding

Yahuli argues that local levies alone cannot generate enough revenue and advocates establishing a regionally owned enterprise, or BUMD, initially focused on logistics and agriculture. He hopes it can increase local income and help offset reduced central transfers. He points to potential in agriculture and other commodities, including coffee, rice, red fruit, and pineapple. Rice cultivation remains limited, he says, and local food traditions include sago and sweet potato.

Mining regulation, Yahuli notes, is mainly the responsibility of provincial and central authorities, but he hopes they can address illegal mining and related harm.

He says the district previously received about 100 billion rupiah in special allocation funds for projects such as clean water, airstrips, bridges, roads, and sanitation. That allocation has largely disappeared over the past two years amid spending efficiencies. He says general allocation funds have remained stable or increased, and that the district has received unqualified audit opinions seven times.

Presenters and contributors

• Brigita Manohara — Presenter and interviewer
• Didimus Yahuli — Regent of Yahukimo and interview guest