In a quiet yet historic corner of Indonesia’s easternmost province, a university is rising not only in stature but in meaning. Muhammadiyah Univesity of Papua Barat (UMPB), officially inaugurated in 17 July 2025, represents more than a milestone in educational development—it embodies a living testament to Indonesia’s motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or “Unity in Diversity.”
What makes this development particularly significant is not just the transformation of STKIP Muhammadiyah Manokwari into a full-fledged university. It is the inclusive spirit that defines the campus—an institution founded by one of the largest Islamic organizations in the world, Muhammadiyah, yet deeply committed to serving students from all walks of life, including indigenous Papuans (OAP) who are predominantly Christian.
“Muhammadiyah is here for all children of the nation,” declared Prof. Dr. Irwan Akib, Chair of Muhammadiyah’s Higher Education and Research Council, during the official ceremony. “This is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of structured and systematic efforts to ensure that education is accessible and transformative, especially in regions like West Papua.”
A Campus Rooted in Pluralism
With the opening of UMPB, Muhammadiyah has reaffirmed its national commitment to equality, tolerance, and unity. Despite its Islamic identity, the university welcomes students without discriminating based on ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. The reality on the ground reflects this inclusivity.
Over 20% of the current student body comprises indigenous Papuan youth, many of whom identify as Christian. Among them is Laura Amandasari, a theology enthusiast from the Arfak Mountains. “At first, I was hesitant,” she admits. “I thought this was only for Muslims. But now I feel like I belong. The lecturers respect our differences, and there’s a strong spirit of friendship here.”
Such voices highlight UMPB’s quiet transformation of perceptions—not just about education, but about coexistence. The campus has become a microcosm of what interreligious harmony can look like: students in hijabs sitting alongside students wearing crucifixes, attending lectures on pedagogy, agribusiness, and public administration.
“We are proud that UMPB reflects the soul of Papua—diverse, resilient, and united,” said Dr. Sulaiman Rasyid, Rector of UMPB. “We don’t just teach from textbooks. We teach how to live together.”
Strengthening Human Capital in Papua
UMPB’s founding responds to a pressing need in West Papua: improving the quality of human resources and providing opportunities for young Papuans to become agents of change in their own homeland.
The university currently offers programs in teacher education, management, fisheries, agribusiness, and public administration—fields that align with the province’s strategic potential. West Papua is rich in natural resources, yet development has long lagged behind other parts of Indonesia. Through its practical curriculum and local-focused research, UMPB aims to close this gap.
“Education is the key to sustainable development,” said Prof. Akib. “If we want to see Papua grow, we must invest in its people—train teachers who understand local cultures, create agribusiness models suited to the highlands, and develop public servants committed to serving remote areas.”
The university also plans to launch community-based learning initiatives and mobile teaching programs in isolated villages. These outreach efforts aim to bridge educational inequalities and ensure that the benefits of higher education extend beyond urban centers like Manokwari.
A Strategic Expansion of Muhammadiyah’s National Mission
The elevation of STKIP Muhammadiyah Manokwari to university status is not just a local achievement—it is a strategic expansion of Muhammadiyah’s nationwide mission. As one of Indonesia’s oldest and most respected Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah operates hundreds of schools, hospitals, and universities across the archipelago.
But UMPB marks a new frontier. It is the first Muhammadiyah university located in a province where Muslims are a minority. This bold step challenges conventional narratives about Islamic institutions and shows that Muhammadiyah is committed to serving the nation as a whole, not just the Muslim community.
“This university reflects Muhammadiyah’s true essence,” said Dr. Haedar Nashir, General Chairperson of Muhammadiyah. “We don’t ask what your religion is. We ask how we can serve you.”
This approach has won praise not only from national figures but from local Papuan leaders as well. Pastor Yonas Nawipa, an interfaith leader in Manokwari, applauded the initiative: “UMPB has set an example. When we put humanity above dogma, we find shared ground. Education can heal divisions that politics cannot.”
Building a Peaceful and Empowered Papua
The university’s establishment also coincides with broader efforts to build peace and prosperity in Papua. Years of conflict, mistrust, and underdevelopment have left scars. But institutions like UMPB offer a new narrative—one of cooperation, investment, and hope.
“The fact that Muhammadiyah, an Islamic institution, opens its doors to Christians and empowers Papuans shows that our future doesn’t have to mirror our past,” said Dr. Maria Rumateray, a Papuan academic and education activist.
Indeed, while political debates about Papua’s status continue, UMPB takes a different route. By focusing on human dignity, opportunity, and unity, it helps de-escalate tensions and lay the groundwork for long-term reconciliation.
“This university will be remembered not just for what it teaches, but for what it stands for,” said Rector Sulaiman. “Unity without assimilation. Tolerance without indifference. And faith without exclusion.”
Looking Ahead
As Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua Barat embarks on its journey, its goals are ambitious but clear. Within the next five years, it plans to expand its academic departments, build partnerships with international institutions, and develop a robust research ecosystem addressing issues like indigenous education, sustainable fisheries, and rural health.
In the meantime, its impact is already visible. Young Papuan students, Christian and Muslim alike, are walking the same hallways, dreaming the same dreams: of becoming teachers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. For many, UMPB is more than a university—it is a doorway to dignity.
Conclusion
In a world where identity often divides, the story of Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua Barat is a reminder that institutions rooted in faith can also be instruments of unity. It proves that interfaith harmony is not just possible, but powerful—and that higher education can be the bridge between difference and dialogue, between inequality and opportunity.
As the sun sets over Manokwari, casting long shadows over its lush hills, a new light shines in Papua: the light of a university where the future is not determined by background, but by belief in a shared humanity.