Government Improves Quality of Education and Health Services in Papua

Jakarta – The government continues to be committed to improving the quality of education and health services in Papua as part of efforts to equalize national development. Through various strategic policies, the government ensures that all people, including those in eastern Indonesia, have optimal access to education and health services.

The Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo emphasized that education is the biggest investment in building the future of the nation. According to him, the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto has a clear vision in encouraging access to quality education for all Indonesian children, including women.

“Education is our biggest investment. How the sons and daughters of Indonesia, including women, get access to the best education is very important to realize Indonesia Emas 2045,” said Dody in his statement.

He added that in accordance with President Prabowo’s Astacita, education is one of the main pillars in building an advanced and competitive Indonesia. Therefore, improvements to educational facilities and infrastructure, including school construction and scholarships, continue to be carried out so that all children of the nation can enjoy quality education.

“Increasing access to quality education for all children of the nation, including women, is our priority. With adequate infrastructure and the right policy support, we can ensure that the next generation is ready to face global challenges,” he explained.

On the other hand, the government has also shown a high commitment to improving health services for the Papuan people, especially through the National Health Insurance (JKN) program managed by BPJS Kesehatan.

Head of the Sorong Branch of the Social Security Administering Agency (BPJS) Kesehatan, Pupung Purnama, revealed that throughout 2024, BPJS Kesehatan has allocated large funding for health services in Southwest Papua.

“The total cost that has been paid by BPJS Kesehatan to health facilities that have collaborated is IDR 213.137 billion with a total of 331,601 cases,” said Pupung.

He explained that the JKN Program ensures that each participant receives proper health services in stages. Starting from examinations at Primary Health Facilities (FKTP) to referrals to Advanced Referral Health Facilities (FKRTL) for patients who need further action.

“In emergency conditions, participants can be taken directly to the Emergency Unit (UGD) at the hospital according to the medical indications that have been determined,” said Pupung.

In addition, easy access to health services has also been expanded. JKN participants with active participant status only need to show their Population Identification Number (NIK) when seeking treatment at health facilities that have collaborated with BPJS Kesehatan. Various JKN administration service channels have also been provided, such as Administration Services via WhatsApp (PANDAWA), JKN Mobile Application, Call Center 165, and the official BPJS Kesehatan website.

“The achievement of the implementation of the JKN Program in the Province of West Papua in 2024 cannot be separated from the role and support of the media which is always responsive in spreading positive news about the JKN Program,” added Pupung.

With these various efforts, the government hopes to create a better education and health ecosystem for the people of Papua. Through synergy between the central government, regions, and the private sector, Indonesia is getting closer to the target of equalizing national welfare in order to realize the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.