Indonesia Improves Human Resources of Papua’s Young Generation through People’s Schools
Papua – The provincial governments of Central Papua and Southwest Papua are currently initiating a strategic step to improve the quality of human resources (HR) through the development of People’s Schools. This free boarding school program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is believed to be an inclusive solution to address the challenge of limited access to education in the 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) regions, including Papua.
The Governor of Central Papua, Meki Nawipa, emphasized that his administration has proposed the construction of People’s Schools in two strategic areas: Nabire Regency and Mimika Regency. These two areas are considered relatively safe and have the potential to serve as pilot projects for implementing education programs targeting children from poor and extremely poor families.
“People’s Schools are intended for underprivileged children, including those from areas with limited access to education, so they can continue their education,” said Meki Nawipa in Timika.
He added that the Central Papua Provincial Government is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding all the needs for the construction of these boarding schools. Although the preparation process will take time, Meki Nawipa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing equal, quality, and free education for all children in Central Papua.
Meanwhile, the Southwest Papua Provincial Government echoed this commitment. Governor Elisa Kambu stated that her administration has encouraged all district/city governments in her region to prepare land to accelerate the construction of People’s Schools in six areas: Sorong Regency, South Sorong, Tambrauw, Maybrat, Raja Ampat, and Sorong City.
“In principle, these schools fall under the authority of the districts/cities. Therefore, we ask them to immediately prepare the land. This school is expected to be a bridge for them so they don’t drop out of school and continue to receive quality education services,” explained Elisa Kambu in Sorong.
She also revealed that verbal reports regarding land readiness have been received from several regional heads. However, the official administrative process, in the form of a proposal document, is still pending for submission to the provincial level before being forwarded to the central government.
The construction of these People’s Schools is part of a national strategy to accelerate educational equality and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty in Papua. This program is not only a short-term solution to address the number of out-of-school children, but also a long-term investment that will elevate the dignity of the Papuan people by strengthening the education sector.
With synergistic support from the regional and central governments, it is hoped that the People’s School can soon be realized and become a model for successful inclusive education development in Papua. This effort is concrete evidence that the state is present to serve all its citizens without exception. –
[edRW]
