In a bold step toward educational equity and long-term social investment, the Government of Jayapura Regency has officially launched the “Beasiswa Asli Tabi” (Asli Tabi Scholarship Program), a targeted initiative aimed at improving the quality of Human Resources (HR) among Orang Asli Papua (OAP, indigenous people in Papua)—the Indigenous Papuan population. This scholarship, designed exclusively for students of Tabi ancestry, seeks to address historical disparities in access to higher education and create a future generation of empowered, skilled Papuans ready to lead change in their own communities.
As Indonesia continues to push for inclusive development across its diverse regions, this program stands out as a model for how local governments can support indigenous empowerment through education.
A Vision Rooted in Identity and Empowerment
The word “Tabi” refers to the customary region encompassing Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Keerom Regency, Sarmi Regency, and parts of Yahukimo, where many of Papua’s indigenous communities reside. By focusing specifically on children of Asli Tabi descent, the scholarship reflects a deep commitment to protecting indigenous identity while also strengthening the capacity of the community in facing modern socio-economic challenges.
“This program is not only about sending students to school. It is about building a future where our own sons and daughters—born of the land of Tabi—will return as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and policymakers,” said Mathius Awoitauw, the Regent of Jayapura, during the announcement of the program.
Education as a Tool for Structural Change
For decades, the Indigenous Papuan community has faced systemic obstacles in accessing quality education, both in terms of affordability and opportunity. Limited infrastructure, geographical isolation, and economic hardship have often stood in the way of academic achievement. The Asli Tabi Scholarship seeks to directly confront these challenges.
By providing full financial support for tuition fees, living allowances, and academic resources, the Jayapura Regency Government is ensuring that no eligible Asli Tabi student is left behind due to financial constraints. In the initial phase, the scholarship will prioritize students who have already gained admission to public and private universities across Indonesia.
The scholarship also takes a holistic approach, considering not just academic performance but also the applicant’s community engagement, leadership potential, and cultural background.
Who Qualifies for the Asli Tabi Scholarship?
According to the announcement from the Jayapura Regency Government, candidates for the Asli Tabi Scholarship must meet a few key criteria:
- Be of Asli Tabi (Indigenous Tabi) descent, verified through lineage and community recommendations.
- Be a registered resident of Jayapura Regency.
- Be enrolled or accepted at a recognized higher education institution, either public or private.
- Demonstrate academic motivation and a clear educational goal aligned with the development of Papua.
Applicants must also undergo a selection process involving interviews and document verification by a local scholarship committee formed under the Regency’s Education Department.
Targeting Strategic Fields for Papua’s Development
While the program is open to all fields of study, the local government has placed a particular emphasis on priority sectors that are critical to the sustainable development of Papua. These include:
- Education and teaching
- Public health and medicine
- Environmental science
- Information technology
- Civil engineering and infrastructure
- Law and public administration
By encouraging students to pursue careers in these fields, the Asli Tabi Scholarship aims to produce a generation of professionals who can return to Papua and directly contribute to regional development, especially in underserved areas.
A Local Government Taking the Lead
The Asli Tabi Scholarship Program reflects a growing recognition among local governments in Papua of their role in bottom-up development. While national programs such as Beasiswa Afirmasi Pendidikan Tinggi (Adik, Higher Education Affirmative Action Scholarship) and Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP, Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency) have supported Papuan students on a broader scale, this local initiative focuses on customary rights and identity-based inclusion.
“This is an affirmation of our commitment to Orang Asli Papua, especially the youth of Tabi,” added Regent Awoitauw. “It’s a statement that says, ‘Your future matters. Your knowledge will shape our land.’”
By putting control into the hands of local authorities, the program also ensures that policies are culturally sensitive, administratively flexible, and responsive to local needs—something often missing from top-down educational funding models.
Challenges Ahead, but a Strong Start
Despite the positive reception, implementing such a localized scholarship program comes with its own set of challenges. These include verifying indigenous identity, ensuring transparency in selection, and providing continued academic and psychological support for recipients once they’re enrolled in university.
To address these issues, the Jayapura Regency Government is collaborating with customary councils (Dewan Adat Tabi), local universities, and civil society organizations to monitor and evaluate the scholarship process.
Transparency and accountability are key themes as the government prepares the program for launch in the upcoming academic year. A dedicated online portal and help desk are also in development to assist applicants and their families.
Testimonials: Hopes from the Grassroots
Among young Papuans, the announcement has sparked a wave of optimism. Maria Yomna, a high school graduate from Sentani, said the scholarship gave her new hope to pursue her dream of becoming a public health officer.
“This opportunity means everything for me and my family. We never imagined being able to afford a university education. Now I can dream of giving back to my village,” she said.
Community leaders have also applauded the move, calling it a “cultural investment” that may help restore pride and confidence among the youth.
“We want our children to go far in education, but also to come home and serve. That is the true spirit of this scholarship,” said Ondoafi Yoku, a traditional leader in Jayapura.
A Blueprint for Other Regions?
With its culturally grounded approach and localized focus, the Asli Tabi Scholarship could serve as a model for other regions with significant Indigenous populations. In an era where regional autonomy and decentralization are central to Indonesia’s governance structure, such initiatives represent the real promise of inclusive, bottom-up development.
By tying educational access to cultural identity and community needs, the Jayapura Regency Government has created a scholarship that is not just about getting degrees but about redefining development from the perspective of Indigenous Papuans themselves.
Conclusion
The Asli Tabi Scholarship Program is more than a policy—it is a promise. A promise from the Government of Jayapura Regency to its people, especially the next generation of Indigenous Papuans, that education can and should be accessible, regardless of geography, ethnicity, or economic background.
It signals a commitment to long-term human resource development rooted in cultural pride, local autonomy, and inclusive governance. As Papua continues to seek pathways toward sustainable growth, this scholarship may well be a cornerstone in building a resilient, educated, and self-determined society—from within.