Sentani, Jubi – Residents of Nduga Regency in Papua Highlands say the local government has effectively ceased functioning in recent months, warning they will block all transport access to the regency if the situation is not addressed.
They are calling on the regent and the Nduga Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) to return to the regency, resume government operations, improve public services, and immediately fill key vacant positions within the local administration.
The demands were voiced by hundreds of residents, grouped under the Solidarity Movement for the People and Development of Nduga Regency, during a peaceful rally at the Cross Roundabout in Kenyam, the regency's capital, on Friday.
General coordinator of the rally, Remes Ubruangge, said the demonstration, which ran from 8:30 a.m. to around 1:00 p.m. Papua time, reflected growing public frustration over what participants described as slow governance and poor public service delivery since the current administration took office in 2025.
"We urge the Speaker of the Nduga DPRK to ensure that the regent returns to Nduga and carries out his responsibilities together with all regional government agencies. The government must be present to serve the people," Ubruangge told Jubi by phone on Friday.
He said residents believe several key administrative processes have stalled, including the appointment of a definitive regional secretary, heads of government departments, DPRK members through the appointment mechanism, district heads, and the election of village heads.
According to Ubruangge, the failure to fill those positions has disrupted public services and slowed development across the regency.
"We want the government structure completed as soon as possible so public services can operate normally in line with the administration's vision and mission," he said.
Field coordinator Ropen Tabuni said around 900 residents from various districts across Nduga took part in the rally. Their statement of demands was received by Deputy Speaker II of the Nduga DPRK, Nus Gamikmeya, as DPRK Speaker Karto Nigiri was not present.
Tabuni said residents also believe the DPRK has failed to adequately oversee the performance of the local government.
"We hope the DPRK carries out its oversight role and strengthens coordination with the regional government so these governance issues can be resolved. The public should not continue to suffer because basic services are not functioning properly," he said.
Beyond concerns over what they described as a dysfunctional administration, demonstrators also called on the local government to give greater attention to the security situation in Nduga.
They urged authorities to engage with religious leaders, customary leaders, and other community representatives to help restore stability so residents can safely resume their daily activities.
In a statement read during the protest, the Solidarity Movement for the People and Development of Nduga Regency outlined six key demands. These included urging the DPRK Speaker to ensure the regent returns to Nduga, accelerating the appointment of definitive government officials, completing the regional administrative structure, and improving coordination between the regent, the DPRK, and government advisers to restore normal governance.
The protesters warned they would escalate their action if their demands are ignored.
They said that if both the DPRK Speaker and the regent continue to remain outside Nduga and fail to respond to the community's demands, residents will shut down all transport access to the regency, including both air and river routes.
Source: https://en.jubi.id/nduga-residents-threaten-transport-blockade-over-alleged-government-inaction