Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Achieves Equitable Access to Education in Papua
Jayapura — The Papua Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector has once again received widespread appreciation. Papua Governor Matius Fakhiri received a working visit from the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) Papua Province Management for the 2024–2029 period in his office on Monday (November 3, 2025). The meeting served as a crucial opportunity to strengthen the consolidation and synergy between the regional government and PGRI in advancing education in Papua.
The Chairperson of the PGRI Papua Province, Elia Waromi, stated that the new PGRI management is committed to being a strategic partner with the government in improving the quality of teachers and students. “This meeting is our first step in strengthening cooperation with the provincial government, particularly in increasing teacher capacity and ensuring equitable education in remote areas,” said Elia Waromi.
According to Elia, collaboration between PGRI and the regional government is crucial to ensure that every Papuan child receives the right to a decent education, regardless of distance and facilities. He emphasized that teachers are not only educators, but also agents of social change who play a role in building the character and future of Papua’s young generation.
Komarudin Watubun, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), also expressed his appreciation for the government’s concrete steps in developing education. During the Coordination Meeting on the Implementation of General Government Affairs in Nabire, he assessed the policies of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Central Papua as a concrete example of leadership that prioritizes the future of the younger generation. “I convey my message: what can change the future of Papua, what can change our lives, is education. So, regional heads, Mr. Governor, only education can save humanity. Without education, it will be very difficult,” Komarudin Watubun emphasized.
He considered various policies, such as the recruitment of 276 new teachers, training for educators, the implementation of all-day schools, and the initiation of boarding schools, to be progressive steps that need to be maintained consistently. These policies demonstrate the regional government’s commitment to preparing a superior, resilient generation of Papuans ready to compete nationally.
Furthermore, Komarudin Watubun added that improving the quality of education must go hand in hand with clean governance, educational infrastructure development, and the involvement of indigenous communities. He also praised the Central Papua government’s efforts to prioritize transparency and accountability in every development program.
The strategic steps taken by the Papuan government and the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) demonstrate a new direction for educational development in eastern Indonesia. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and cross-sector synergy, Papuan education is expected to become the primary foundation for the emergence of intelligent, character-based future generations capable of leading Papua towards a more prosperous future.
“Everything we do is not only for development, but also for the glory of God,” concluded Komarudin Watubun.
