"The refugees are presently ready to hold a dialog with the president, though they are no longer staying in emergency tents but being accommodated in the homes of local residents. However, in the evening, several of them, including children and women, take refuge in places of worship and military office," Waterpauw noted here on Monday.
The refugees constitute displaced people since their houses were scorched by rioters in Wamena on Sept 23, 2019.
"Some 50 displaced people are victims, who had lost their homes in the fire set by rioters," he noted.
The situation in Wamena and Jayapura is currently safe and under control.
"Right now, I and commander of the Regional Military Command XVII Cenderawasih are in Wamena since Sunday," he revealed.
President Jokowi and his entourage were scheduled to visit Wamena District in Papua Province to obtain first-hand information following the brutal riot that killed 33 non-Papuans, displaced thousands of mostly migrants, and set fire to thousands of buildings and vehicles.
From Wamena, Jokowi will head to Jayapura to inaugurate the Yotefa Bridge built over Yotefa Bay.
Related news: Jokowi pledges to build market and roads in Arfak, West Papua
The president and his entourage had earlier paid a working visit to West Papua Province after departing aboard the presidential aircraft from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta on Saturday (Oct 26) for Sorong.
Members of the Presidential entourage constituted Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and acting Chief of the Indonesian Police Commissioner General Ari Dono.
On Sunday morning, the president and First Lady Iriana greeted thousands of people hailing from 162 villages located in 10 sub-districts. They had congregated at the Irai football field in Pegunungan Arfak District, West Papua.
Jokowi pledged to build infrastructure, including roads, a hospital, and market in the mountainous area of Pegunugan Arfak District.
Related news: Jokowi to stay overnight in Kaimana, West Papua Jokowi remarked that in line with the Pegunungan Arfak district head’s request, the work to construct a road to connect Manokwari and Pegunungan Arfak will be completed soon.
The Pegunungan Arfak-Manokwari road is crucial to transport people and goods, especially agricultural products.
"Thus, agricultural commodities from Pegunungan Arfak can later be marketed in Manokwari," the head of state was quoted as saying in a press statement issued by Erlin Suastini, head of the Press, Media, and Information Bureau in Jakarta.
Access to land transportation is also crucial for development of the tourism industry in Pegunungan Arfak that has scenic twin lakes: Anggi Giji and Anggi Gida.
Jokowi also pledged to build an airport, market, hospital, and community health centers in Pegunungan Arfak, the development projects for which will be completed within two years.
He later paid a visit to Irai Market to witness first-hand the commodities offered at the market and hold dialog with the local vendors.
Related news: Performance of police, military draws accolades from Papuan figures
West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan and District Head of Pegunungan Arfak Yosias Saroy accompanied President Jokowi during the visit.
On Sunday afternoon, Jokowi and his entourage headed to Kaimana District, West Papua, to enjoy a scenic sunset and then stayed overnight.
Related news: President Jokowi pays great attention to Papua
On Monday morning, Jokowi was scheduled to review infrastructure development projects, including the airport renovation work in Kaimana that is being designated as a halal tourism destination.
Translator: Evarukdijati, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
