Puncak Regency declares emergency status due to extreme weather

The Puncak Regency Government in Central Papua has declared a 14-day emergency status, effective from August 24, 2026, to address extreme weather impacts. The region is facing a combination of prolonged drought, forest and land fires, and hail phenomena.

Acting Regional Secretary Nenu Tabuni stated that the drought has affected 25 districts. Additionally, hail and fires have spread across multiple districts, including Ilaga, Gome, and Omukia. The hail has damaged crops and caused plants to wither, leading to a local food crisis. The dry vegetation also increases the risk of fires spreading to traditional residential areas known as honai.

A joint task force involving the military, police, and regional disaster management agencies has been formed to conduct field data collection and coordinate food aid distribution through Bulog.