The Puncak Jaya mountains in Indonesia's Papua region Photo: AFP
The Commander of Indonesia's National Defense Forces says weather is proving a barrier to delivering aid to drought-stricken areas of West Papua.
The long-lasting dry season and extreme cold weather caused crop failure in parts of Puncak District in Central Papua.
Six people - five adults and an infant - have died.
The authorities said access to the region is hampered by difficult terrain and threats posed by armed separatists.
Admiral Yudo Margono told Antara News the aid distribution can only be conducted via air.
Margono said when the weather improves personnel will immediately fly there to drop the aid off.
He added that troops are prepared for any interception by armed independence groups.
"I ensure that our troops are there to guard the humanitarian aid. There is one platoon there and a team from the National Police as well," he said.
He noted that about 50 troops were prepared to guard the airport and the access to Agandugume and Lambewi.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said in a statement the first shipment of aid will include food and milk.
It said the disaster has affected about 3000 people in Agandugume sub-district and 4000 in Lambewi sub-district.
- Antara News
