"It is safe. We have so far sent 8 thousand tons of logistics to Agandugume airport," he informed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Agandugume Airport is the nearest to the three sub-districts in Puncak regency that are experiencing famine: Agandugume, Lambewi, and Oneri.
Six people have died in Puncak district since June due to hunger caused by drought and extreme cold weather, which has affected food production.
Suharyanto said no significant obstacles were faced in the aid distribution process, even though he received a report from the pilot, who had earlier delivered supplies, about shots being fired.
He said that the essential needs aid is currently being stored at Sinak Airport. The distance from Sinak Airport to Agandugume Airport takes two days and one night to complete on foot.
The government is also planning to build a security post in Agandugume district to ensure the aid distribution runs smoothly.
"We will begin (to construct a security post) starting in early September," he said.
Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said that the government has prepared a scheme as an effort to anticipate famine in three sub-districts in Puncak District.
The scheme includes constructing a food storage facility in Agandugume and a road from Sinak to Agandugume.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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