Maybrat Regent Denies Extreme Poverty Status, Prepares Concrete Measures to Address Issue

PAPUA, KUMURKEK — Maybrat Regent Karel Murafer has responded to reports that Maybrat Regency has been included among regions with extreme poverty levels in Southwest Papua. He addressed the issue while speaking to journalists after leading the ceremony marking the 16th anniversary of Maybrat Regency in Faitmayaf, Kumurkek, on Monday (May 5, 2025).

In his statement, Karel emphasized that the local government is working hard to realize its vision and mission of creating a safe, progressive, prosperous, and independent Maybrat. According to him, a region’s poverty status cannot be judged in isolation but must be assessed using clear, measurable indicators.

“We’ve already started in the health sector, for example by launching free medical services. We have doctors ready to provide mobile healthcare across 24 districts. This is one of the real steps we’re taking to help the people,” Karel explained.

Beyond healthcare, Karel noted that his administration is also working with the Social Affairs Office to synchronize the data of social assistance (bansos) recipients. This step is crucial to ensure that the aid reaches the right people.

“We want to make sure that only those who are truly underprivileged are receiving the assistance. We need to avoid situations where capable individuals or even deceased persons remain on the list,” he said.

Karel firmly denied the claim that Maybrat ranks as the region with the highest level of extreme poverty in Southwest Papua. “If anyone says Maybrat is among the areas with the highest extreme poverty, that’s simply not true,” he stressed.

Looking ahead, Karel stated that the local government will continue collaborating with various stakeholders, including the central and provincial governments as well as private partners, to tackle poverty gradually and comprehensively.

“This issue of extreme poverty cannot be solved alone. We need cross-sector collaboration so that the efforts we make are more effective and sustainable,” he concluded.