In a bid to uplift the quality of human capital and unearth local sporting talent, the Jayawijaya Regency Government in Papua has embarked on a new initiative to develop sports infrastructure in four districts: Asolokobal, Maima, Asotipo, and Napua. The construction and provision of sports facilities in these areas are part of a broader mission by the local government under the leadership of Regent Atenius Murib and Deputy Ronny Elopere to nurture youth potential and create a structured pathway for talent development through athletics.
Aligning with the 100‑Day Work Plan
This initiative is an extension of the 100-day work plan that was introduced soon after the regent and his deputy took office. According to the Acting Head of the Youth and Sports Department (Disorda) of Jayawijaya, Yaiper Gombo, the facilities being developed in these four districts are intended not just to serve as recreational outlets but as grassroots-level training grounds for football and volleyball, the most popular sports among local youth. Each district has received a set of basic sports equipment, including footballs, volleyballs, and nets, with the expectation that local football schools (SSBs) and community-run volleyball teams will use them to train consistently.
Speaking to local media, Gombo emphasized that this is about more than handing out sports gear. “This support is aimed at increasing the interest and talent of children in sports and fostering the development of sports in Jayawijaya,” he said. The effort was also seen as a continuation of a distribution drive that began in May 2025, when the department provided sports equipment to ten schools, community groups, and youth congregations in Wamena. At that time, recipients included SMK Negeri 2 Wamena, SMP Negeri Wollo, local KNPI branches, the Wamena United football team, and church-based youth organizations.
The expansion to more rural districts reflects a strategic push to make sports development more inclusive, reaching young people in isolated communities who often lack access to structured athletic programs. The initiative is being welcomed warmly by residents. In Asolokobal, for example, local youths have begun organizing weekend football matches using the new equipment. In Maima, a girls’ volleyball team held its first formal practice session, marking a significant milestone in gender inclusion in regional sports development.
Behind the optimism, however, lie persistent challenges. Jayawijaya’s Disorda continues to face systemic issues in promoting regional sports. These include limited infrastructure, a lack of qualified coaches, and infrequent competition opportunities—all of which make it difficult for young athletes to progress to higher levels of play. Over the years, some infrastructure has been gradually developed, such as a new multipurpose sports hall (GOR) and several basketball courts in schools, but many of these facilities remain under-equipped and underutilized.
One particularly noteworthy development is the planned construction of a boxing training center. Boxing has long been a promising sport for young Papuans, given their natural strength, stamina, and resilience. The government views boxing as a potential flagship sport, capable of propelling local athletes to compete at provincial and national levels. While infrastructure for the training center is already in place, equipment procurement and coaching recruitment are still underway.
Multi‑Dimensional Human Capital Development
The sports infrastructure program is also aligned with Jayawijaya’s broader goals for human development. In parallel with athletic initiatives, Disorda is overseeing programs aimed at building character and discipline among youth through scouting organizations (Pramuka). This year, the regency received a General Allocation Fund (DAU) of IDR 400 million from the central government specifically for scouting development. These funds are being used to strengthen scout organizations at various levels—branches, sub-branches, and school units—ensuring that young people have access to structured personal development programs beyond sports.
Disorda Head Fatah Yassin has acknowledged the limitations his department faces, including understaffed coaching programs and insufficient proposals coming in from communities for funding support. However, he remains optimistic that with better coordination and active community participation, both the sports and youth character-building programs can be expanded significantly in the coming years. He has encouraged local schools, churches, and youth organizations to submit their proposals to receive assistance in future rounds of equipment distribution or training support.
The impact of the current initiative is already being felt across the districts. In Asotipo, youth leaders are planning inter-village mini-tournaments for the first time. In Napua, a local coach mentioned that for the first time in years, children are gathering twice a week to train using proper equipment. Such stories reflect the transformative potential of well-planned sports infrastructure—not just as a means to develop talent, but as a tool to unify communities, boost morale, and provide positive alternatives for young people in regions often affected by socio-economic limitations.
Long‑Term Vision: From Grassroots to Glory
The government’s long-term vision is ambitious yet grounded in local realities. By investing in grassroots sports programs, Jayawijaya hopes to build a reliable pipeline of athletes who could represent the region in provincial and national competitions. Sports tournaments hosted in the newly equipped districts may also stimulate local economies through increased trade and tourism, while also reinforcing a sense of community identity and pride.
Additionally, the physical and mental health benefits of sports cannot be overstated. For communities in Papua’s highlands, where isolation and limited access to healthcare are ongoing challenges, regular athletic activity offers a pathway to improved well-being. Local leaders believe that sports can help address issues like youth delinquency, mental health, and lack of social engagement—all while paving the way for national recognition of Papuan athleticism.
Yet, much remains to be done. While the distribution of footballs and volleyballs is a strong start, many school courts and training grounds still need renovation. The availability of trained and licensed coaches is another bottleneck, particularly for areas hoping to run SSB programs or host regular competitions. Moreover, sustainable success will require long-term funding and policy support—not only from the regency government but also from the provincial and national levels.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. The sports program in Jayawijaya is more than a regional initiative—it is a reflection of a growing recognition that development in Papua must go beyond physical infrastructure and economic programs. True progress, as this initiative suggests, comes from investing in people, especially the youth. With continued commitment, better resource management, and active community involvement, Jayawijaya’s dream of becoming a hub of athletic excellence in Papua is well within reach.
As more equipment arrives and more communities are included in future phases, the government hopes that the spirit of competition, discipline, and teamwork will take root in every corner of the regency. Regent Atenius Murib and his deputy, Ronny Elopere, have expressed their continued support for this movement, emphasizing that sports development is central to their vision for a stronger, more united Jayawijaya.
In a province often portrayed through the lens of underdevelopment and conflict, stories like this one from Jayawijaya offer a much-needed counter-narrative—one of hope, community empowerment, and grassroots transformation. The journey may be long, but with each new football kicked and every volleyball serve cheered by children in the highlands, the path forward becomes a little clearer.
Conclusion
The Government of Jayawijaya Regency’s initiative to build sports infrastructure in four districts represents more than mere facility provision—it is a strategic investment in human capital, youth engagement, and regional identity. By aligning with leadership goals and addressing deep-rooted structural challenges, the program seeks to nurture a new generation of athletes, foster healthier lifestyles, and open pathways from remote highland fields to national stadiums. If sustained—and expanded with qualified coaches, regular competition, and robust community participation—this initiative could redefine the sporting and social horizon of Papua’s Jayawijaya.