Papuan Education Advances Rapidly Thanks to Government’s Commitment to Developing a Golden Generation
PAPUA – Educational progress in Papua is increasingly visible with the strengthening of the Special Autonomy (Otsus) program and the introduction of various inclusive initiatives that ensure every child receives adequate education. The Papua Provincial Education Office affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality and equity of education for Indigenous Papuans (OAP).
Elia Waromi, Head of the Quality and Education Services Division of the Papua Education Office, stated that during the 24 years of Special Autonomy implementation, various affirmative action programs have had a significant impact on Papua’s young generation.
“As indigenous Papuans, we have directly experienced the progress in educational development since the enactment of Special Autonomy. Many Papuan children can now pursue higher education, even abroad,” she said.
She added that this support is part of the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua, and President Prabowo’s Asta Cita, which prioritizes human development.
Various programs, such as the Secondary Education Affirmation (Adem) and Higher Education Affirmation (ADiK), have opened up significant opportunities for indigenous Papuan children to pursue education at leading universities. In the past two decades, thousands of Papuan students have successfully completed their studies at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and even achieved professional and academic expertise.
“This success is strong evidence that Special Autonomy (Otsus) has brought about positive change and opened up ample opportunities for the advancement of indigenous Papuan education,” said Elia.
In addition to expanding access to higher education, the Papuan Provincial Government is also strengthening inclusive education services through integrated class programs for dropouts, victims of social problems, and students who require alternative approaches. This program, initiated in collaboration with Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), is a strategic step to ensure that no child in Papua is left behind in their right to education.
“We strongly support this program because it concerns the future of the Papuan generation. Every child, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to return to school,” said Elia.
He emphasized that the success of this program requires collaboration between various parties, including the Social Service, the Education and Training Center (DP3AKB), the local government, and teachers at the target schools. The program will run until 2027, with periodic evaluations in collaboration with the local government and WVI.
The principal of SMKS YPK 2 Technology and Engineering in Biak Numfor, Soleman Salomo Sroyer, expressed his school’s readiness to become a pilot project for integrated classes. “Our approach to students in this class is different. We provide learning methods and facilities tailored to their needs so they regain confidence and are able to complete their education,” he said.
He hopes the integrated classes will become a new space to rekindle Papuan children’s enthusiasm for learning.
Various government efforts through Special Autonomy, educational affirmation, and integrated class programs are now accelerating the progress of education in Papua. The positive impact is evident in the increasing school enrollment rate, the emergence of a high-achieving young generation, and the increasing access to quality education even in remote areas. This consistent and targeted educational development provides a strong foundation for the emergence of a golden generation of Papuans ready to contribute to regional development and Indonesia’s progress.
