Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura – Thousands of people fleeing a crackdown on Papuan separatists are now facing food shortages.

The crisis is hitting refugees in Yamo district, Puncak Jaya regency, Papua, after Indonesian Military and police attacks on Free Papua Movement (FPM) rebels in the area.

The Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) reports that 5,137 people are now facing hunger.

Chief of the Papua GIDI synod Rev. Lipiyus Biniluk said that people were living in desperate conditions, with up to eight families living in a single traditional honai house, which usually fits only two families.

"Residents are suffering from hunger, not to mention disease, especially the children," said Lipiyus.

Lipiyus said in the past week alone, 227 children had fallen ill, with diarrhea, hepatitis and malaria the most common diseases.

The Association of Papua Churches (PGGP) is urging the public and related state agencies to help those threatened by the food shortage.

"We are safe and have enough food here, while thousands of our brothers and sisters are living in fear and suffering from hunger, cold and sickness," said Rev. Herman Saud in Jayapura on Monday.

The residents had taken refuge in Yamo district, fearing open warfare between military and police personnel and separatist rebels from FPM's Goliat Tabuni faction, who are believed to have fatally shot two TNI soldiers on Dec. 8 last year. "People are afraid to venture out of the village, while outsiders are afraid to come to the village for fear of being hit by stray bullets," Herman said.

Herman said the PGGP had reported the situation to the governor, provincial legislature, Papua People's Council and the chiefs of the provincial police and military command, but none of them had agreed to discuss the problem.

According to Lipiyus, the Puncak Jaya administration set aside six tons of rice for Yamo, but has so far only sent one. Yamo is a two-day journey on foot from Mulia, the capital of Puncak Jaya regency.

"The main problem is security. No one dares to send food and medical supplies to the area," said Lipiyus.

Herman said many people could die of hunger if humanitarian aid did not arrive soon. Four refugees have died in the area since Jan. 6.