Malnutrition Reaches People in Indonesia’s Rich Lands

RCTI News (13/4). It was revealed last week that 95 people were killed due to poor nutrition in the District Kwor, Tambraw in West Papua Province in Indonesia. This number will increase since the remaining 500 people living there are now experiencing difficult days with hunger conditions. This is not the first time it has been revealed that people in Papua were killed because of hunger. It is possible to anticipate the tragedy to prevent its occurrence.

Last month, for example, the people in District Nduga, Papua reported that they are threatened with starvation due to crop failure. In another district, Yahukimo, during December 2005, 39 people died. And in District Paniai, 16 people died in 2007. All were due to starvation. [RCTI News, Jakarta, 13/4/2013]

Repeated cases of severe malnutrition are prevalent in Papua, Indonesia which clearly demonstrates that the government chooses wrongful management for Indonesia’s rich islands and it also reveals the poor governance. The rich natural resources of Indonesia should eliminate the starvation. Unfortunately, Indonesia Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi said that the problem should lie on the local government’s responsibility. Whereas, the central government also takes advantage of the wealth of Papua.

Freeport, a gold mine exploited by a US company, reported in 2011 the Indonesian government received a share from taxes, royalties and dividends totaling US$52 billion or approximately 468 trillion in Rupiah. Moreover, the local government received more than 415 billion.

We should realize that Papua and Indonesia need the implementation of Shariah and the establishment of the Khilafah State. The rich natural resources of Indonesia will be managed by the Khaleefah through the Baytul Maal to eliminate poverty. Therefore there would not be any repeated cases of starvation suffered by people in Papua including Indonesia. The cases of poor nutrition and the lack of health facilities are the responsibility of government both local and central government. There is no throwing responsibility between local and central government. Of course, the Khaleefah is the one responsible for all as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم stated.

The Khilafah State will design effective policies to overcome the malnutrition cases in Papua. It is not only distribution of food but also to fulfill the needs of doctors and medical facilities. In fact Papua needs around 16 thousand health workers to enable people to easily access medical care. But today, with the absence of the Khilafah State, it needs a 4 day walk for someone to access doctors in remote areas in Papua.

Iffah Ainur Rohmah

Spokeswoman of Hizb ut Tahrir Indonesia