Indonesian military drought relief in Central Papua

In late July and early August 2026, the Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) carried out a humanitarian operation in Central Papua’s Puncak District after an El Niño‑related drought caused severe crop failures and temperatures to drop to 2‑9 °C. Two tonnes of food staples, instant noodles, milk, sugar, biscuits, medicines and medical personnel were flown from Timika’s Mozes Kilangin Airport using Grand Caravan aircraft and helicopters. Troops then trekked steep, fog‑filled mountain terrain, crossing rivers and slippery slopes to deliver the supplies to the remote sub‑districts of Agandugume, Oneri and Lambewi.

Brigadier General Stefie Jantje Nuhuganan, commander of the Habema Joint Operations Command, highlighted the challenges posed by the remote location, adverse weather and the presence of armed separatist groups, but emphasized the mission’s aim to alleviate food and water shortages until conditions improve. Local officials thanked the soldiers for risking their lives, underscoring the armed forces’ expanding role beyond security to address the acute food crisis caused by the prolonged drought that began in June 2026.