Discrepancy Emerges Over Relocation Status of Kampung Bayam Residents in West Papua

Indonesian officials claim Kampung Bayam residents have moved to permanent housing, but investigations reveal they remain in inadequate temporary

Discrepancy Emerges Over Relocation Status of Kampung Bayam Residents in West Papua

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📷 Image source: static.republika.co.id

Government Claims Clash with Reality in Kampung Bayam Resettlement

Indonesian government officials have asserted that residents of Kampung Bayam, a historically marginalized community in West Papua, have been successfully relocated to new housing in South Sorong Regency (KSB). However, on-the-ground investigations reveal a starkly different reality—families remain stranded in temporary shelters (Huntara) with no clear timeline for permanent resettlement.

A Promise Unfulfilled

Pramono, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, recently stated that the Kampung Bayam relocation process was "complete," emphasizing improved living conditions in KSB. Yet, interviews with displaced families and visual evidence confirm that over 200 households continue to live in Huntara facilities lacking proper sanitation, consistent electricity, and access to schools or healthcare.

The Human Cost of Bureaucratic Delays

"We were told we’d move into proper homes by last year," said Maria Wenda, a mother of three, pointing to leaking roofs and overcrowded spaces. Local NGOs attribute the delay to land certification disputes and underfunded infrastructure projects. The Huntara site, initially designed as a six-month transitional solution, has now housed families for nearly two years.

Behind the Contradictory Narratives

While provincial authorities cite "administrative finalization" as the holdup, critics argue the disconnect reflects systemic issues in Indonesia’s transmigration policies. "This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about accountability," said Dedi Supriadi of the Papua Justice Initiative, noting similar delays in other resettlement programs across the region.

Political Implications

The controversy emerges amid heightened scrutiny of Jakarta’s development agenda in Papua. With infrastructure projects often touted as symbols of national unity, activists warn that unfulfilled promises risk deepening mistrust among indigenous communities.

What Comes Next?

Officials now pledge to accelerate the KSB housing handover by Q1 2024, but residents remain skeptical. As monsoon season approaches, the urgency for durable housing grows—alongside demands for transparent communication between policymakers and affected families.


#WestPapua #Resettlement #HumanitarianCrisis #Indonesia

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