Papua – Of the 18 districts in Mimika Regency, one of those on the coast is the Central Mimika District with Atuka as its capital. This district can be reached only by water transportation, namely sea and river. If the weather along the way is favorable, from Poumako Port it can take 1-2 hours.
Along the way, we can see the natural scenery of Mimika which is still good. On either side of the river lie sago forests, as well as mangrove forests, which must be inhabited by various animals that can be a source of protein for the local community. Fish and various seafood to sago as a source of carbohydrates and a livelihood for the population.
The Head of Central Mimika District, Tobias Ba’ka, explained that Central Mimika District is divided into 5 villages, namely Atuka Village as the capital, Timika Pantau or Tiwaka Village, Kekwa Village, Kamora and Mioko.
“Unique. It is called the edge but all are separated. All are separated by swamps, rivers and oceans. It’s safer than the river if you want to go there. It is also close to Timika, 1 to 1.5 hours away. You can go back and forth too,” said Tobias.
Along with population growth, there are currently around 3,700 residents. But because there is currently data collection from Disdukcapil, so that number will change or increase. Because there must be those who were born, died or got married.
“95 percent in Atuka are Papuans. 5 percent are employees or businessmen who come there. Most people’s livelihoods are as fishermen and go to sea by producing fish. Also and coconut commodities. Agriculture is in Mioko there are bananas and coconuts because it is a little higher,” he explained.
Communication facilities in Atuka itself are running well although sometimes they disappear. The batteries in the BTS use solar cells, so there may be equipment that needs to be repaired. The network in Atuka itself is parallel to that of Kokonao. “Actually, the network is good if the signal situation is good,” he added.
