In a poignant meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, representatives from the Raih Impian Tanah Papua Foundation, Elsie Titi Halawa from Merauke conveyed the pressing educational challenges faced by communities in Papua. The foundation, serving as a bridge between the aspirations of the Papuan people and national policies, highlighted the urgent need for equitable educational opportunities in the region.
During the audience, the foundation’s spokesperson emphasized the disparities in educational infrastructure and resources between Papua and other parts of Indonesia. They underscored the lack of adequate schools, trained teachers, and learning materials in remote areas, which hampers the academic growth of Papuan children.
Vice President Gibran acknowledged these concerns, reiterating the government’s commitment to advancing education in Papua. He emphasized that improving human resources through education is a national priority, aiming to produce a generation that is competitive, healthy, and productive.
The Vice President also pointed out that the government has increased the Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds allocated to Papua, from 2% to 2.25% of the General Allocation Fund (DAU). This increment is intended to bolster various development programs, including education, to ensure that indigenous Papuans benefit directly from these initiatives.
Furthermore, Gibran highlighted the importance of vocational education in empowering Papuan youth. He mentioned the establishment of vocational training centers, such as the Somatua Training Center in Mimika, which offers accredited programs in various technical fields. These centers aim to equip young Papuans with practical skills, enhancing their employability and fostering economic growth in the region.
The Vice President’s engagement with the concerns raised by the Raih Impian Tanah Papua Foundation signifies a step towards addressing the educational inequalities in Papua. By investing in both academic and vocational education, the government aims to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape, ensuring that every Papuan child has the opportunity to succeed.
As the nation progresses, the voices from Papua serve as a poignant reminder of the work that remains in achieving educational equity. The government’s responsiveness to these appeals will be crucial in shaping a future where all Indonesian children, regardless of their region, have access to quality education.
