Mimika Social Affairs Office Distributes Rp10 Billion in Special Autonomy-Funded Food Staples to Indigenous Papuans in 18 Districts

TIMIKA — The Mimika Regency Government, through its Social Affairs Office, is distributing packages of nine basic food staples (sembako) to Indigenous Papuan (OAP) residents in 18 districts. The aid is funded by Rp10 billion from the Special Autonomy (Otsus) fund.

Mimika Social Affairs Office head Hasan Kemong said distribution is being carried out in stages and most districts have already received their aid. Deliveries to the two remaining districts, Far West Mimika and Central West Mimika, are being prepared, with the goods already in the warehouse.

“All nine basic staples are in there. Each district is different depending on the number of residents,” he said on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as quoted by Papua60detik.

Reaching Remote Districts

The number of recipients in each district depends on its population. Mimika Baru District has the most recipients, while remote inland districts each receive around 200 to 400 households.

Looking ahead, the Social Affairs Office hopes the Regional Government Budget Team (TAPD) will increase its allocation next year so similar aid can also reach non-OAP residents in need. The program is a concrete example of Special Autonomy funds being used to meet the basic needs of Indigenous Papuans, all the way to remote villages.

Summarized from Papua60detik (in Indonesian).