Aida Ulim, Jayapura, Jubi – Members of the Indigenous Hebeibulu Tribe from Yoka Village, Heram District, Jayapura City, Papua, who claim customary ownership rights over the land, blocked the entrance gate of the Jayapura Central General Hospital (RSUP Jayapura) in Abepura District on Thursday.
The blockade was carried out as part of a demand for Rp64 billion in compensation for 6.4 hectares of land used for the construction of the vertically managed national referral hospital.
David Onca Mebri, Ondoafi (traditional chief) of the Hebeibulu Tribe, said the action was taken because the tribe's claims regarding customary land rights had yet to receive a response from the relevant authorities.
"This is the second time we have blocked access. We carried out the first one previously, but there was no response. That is why we are conducting another blockade as a warning," Mebri said.
According to Mebri, the Indigenous community has submitted its demands to the regional government and participated in two mediation sessions facilitated by the Papua Regional Police. However, no resolution has been reached.
"We have conveyed our demands to the governor and attended two mediation meetings at the Papua Police headquarters, but we have not received a satisfactory response," he said.
Mebri noted that in 1993, Cenderawasih University (Uncen) paid Rp400 million to elders of the Hebeibulu Tribe. However, the Indigenous community believes the amount no longer reflects current standards and regulations.
"We are demanding Rp64 billion in compensation in accordance with government procedures, based on 6.4 hectares of land valued at Rp1 million per square meter, adjusted to current regulations," he said.
He further argued that part of the land now occupied by the hospital had previously been returned by Cenderawasih University to the Indigenous community, resulting in what he described as a shift in land ownership boundaries.
"This sago grove area has already been returned to customary ownership. Therefore, we believe the land is no longer under Uncen's authority. If there is no response, we will carry out a total blockade," he said.
Mebri warned that if their demands continue to go unanswered, the community will escalate its actions.
"If there is no response after our third notice, we may completely shut down access," he said.
Meanwhile, the management of Jayapura Central General Hospital (RSUP Jayapura) assured the public that healthcare services remain operational and secure despite the blockade carried out by members of the Hebeibulu Tribe.
In a press statement received by Jubi, the hospital said it remains committed to providing optimal healthcare services while prioritizing the safety of patients, their families, healthcare workers, and all hospital personnel.
RSUP Jayapura Chief Executive Dr. Petronella Marcia Risamasu said that as a national referral hospital operated by Indonesia's Ministry of Health, maintaining healthcare services remains the institution's primary concern.
"All measures taken by hospital management are aimed at ensuring the continuity of healthcare services while safeguarding everyone within the hospital environment," Risamasu said.
According to her, public healthcare services remain the hospital's top priority under all circumstances.
At the same time, RSUP Jayapura respects the aspirations expressed by various parties and hopes that all issues can be resolved through constructive communication and dialogue.
"Our focus at this time is to ensure that healthcare services for the public continue to operate smoothly," she said.
The hospital also urged service users and patients' families to follow information issued through its official communication channels.
"We encourage the public to remain calm and obtain information only from reliable and accountable sources," she said.