Overview

H&A was engaged to conduct a Travel Risk Assessment (TRA) for a client planning a visit to Sorong and Manokwari in West Papua, Indonesia. The TRA aimed to provide risk mitigation measures, emergency contacts, and security protocols to ensure a safe and informed visit.

Challenges

The client faced several key risks when planning travel to West Papua:

• Potential civil unrest and separatist conflict, particularly involving the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
• Natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, which could disrupt travel.
• Crime, including petty theft and robbery.
• Infrastructure limitations in medical facilities and emergency services, which could hinder responses during emergencies.

Given the fluid security situation in West Papua, H&A’s TRA needed to provide up-to-date intelligence and actionable risk mitigation strategies.

Our Approach

H&A’s analysts conducted a desktop review of relevant open-source intelligence (OSINT) and engaged with local sources to gather real-time data. The TRA focused on five key areas:

1. Risk Overview of West Papua
2. Location specific Risk Assessments for Sorong and Manokwari
3. Emergency Services Contact Information
4. Recommended Risk Mitigation Measures
5. Vaccination and Health Advisory

The methodology involved qualitative risk analysis using a Risk Matrix to categorise threats by probability and consequence level.

Key Findings

• Separatist conflict poses a moderate risk in rural areas but remains low in Sorong and Manokwari. Demonstrations are rarely violent but can escalate.
• Crime is primarily petty theft and robbery, with low risk of violent crime or kidnapping.
• Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, landslides) are a high risk and can disrupt travel and emergency responses.
• Healthcare and emergency services are limited, especially outside urban areas.

Recommended Risk Mitigation Measures

• Maintain communication via satellite phone or GPS tracking apps.
• Use multiple vehicles for travel and carry emergency supplies (water, food, breakdown kit).
• Avoid rural areas and high-risk sub-districts, such as Amban in Manokwari.
• Familiarise drivers with alternative routes and evacuation plans.
• Carry ID, travel permits, and vaccination certificates.
• Monitor local media for real-time updates

Outcome

H&A delivered a comprehensive written report, enabling the client to make informed travel decisions. The Travel Risk Assessment (TRA) provided:

• Detailed risk assessments for Sorong and Manokwari.
• Actionable recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Emergency contact information for local services.

The client was able to proceed with their travel plans with confidence while minimising potential risks through H&A’s recommended protocols.

Impact

• The client successfully conducted their travel to West Papua without incident.
• H&A’s risk intelligence helped the client navigate complex security challenges in a fluid environment.
• The client enhanced its travel protocols and emergency preparedness, ensuring long-term safety measures for future travel.

This case highlights H&A’s capability to deliver detailed risk intelligence assessments, providing clients with timely, actionable insights to ensure safe operations in high-risk environments.