By : Recky Rumbiak )*
The Indonesian government is very committed to encouraging improvements in the quality of development and Human Resources (HR) in the Papua border region. Currently, the government’s main focus is on meeting children’s basic needs as a whole and providing sustainable stimulants.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has firmly emphasized the precious value of the land of Papua in the hearts of the people, including spiritual, sociological, anthropological, cultural and economic aspects.
In efforts to manage Papuan land, the involvement of human resources from native Papuans is recognized as a key factor. Yulianus Kuayo, an education practitioner in Papua, highlighted the urgency of preparing Papuan human resources from an early age through holistic and integrated early childhood education.
The golden period in children’s development is considered a crucial moment for instilling values, education, and paying special attention to nutritional aspects that support children’s growth and development, character and intelligence.
However, Papuan children currently face real challenges, including the lack of parental responsibility in providing adequate nutritional intake. Families also still have limited understanding of the essential aspects in forming a child’s character.
Therefore, an integrated holistic effort is needed involving the education, health, care, nurturing, protection and welfare sectors.
The Southwest Papua Provincial Government is paying serious attention to the education sector by providing grant assistance of one billion to a number of universities in the region.
The Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, Muhammad Musaad, believes that there are still many aspects that need to be improved in these higher education institutions, and it is hoped that the grant funding will be a significant boost to improving the quality of education in the region.
Meanwhile, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin also highlighted the urgent need to improve the quality of education, including the appointment of teachers. The quality of human resources for native Papuans is not only related to education, but also to their perception of welfare.
Well-being is measured through adequacy in meeting basic needs and the ability to carry out routine activities, which then has an impact on motivation to pursue higher education.
The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, on various occasions, always emphasizes the importance of developing an optimal young generation in Papua as a driver and strategic asset for future development.
In other words, the Government is trying to ensure that Papua’s young generation has a central role in driving progress in various sectors, so that development is not only a physical project, but also an investment in people.
The role of Regional Government (Pemda) is very important in empowering the young generation of Papua. Even though many Papuan graduate students have quality, the role of the Regional Government in empowering the younger generation remains a crucial factor.
The government has responded to this need by building the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH), a real initiative to empower and improve the welfare of Papua’s young generation.
PYCH is not only a place to develop creativity, but also a forum for collaboration between youth in Papua. The modern facilities at PYCH reflect the government’s determination to provide full support for the potential and creativity of the younger generation.
The young generation in Papua is recognized as having a strategic role in Indonesia’s development, especially facing the demographic bonus in the future.
Papua Province has a significant number of youth, and a positive Youth Development Index (IPP) indicates a good growth trend. Deputy for Coordination of Quality Improvement for Children, Women and Youth of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Woro, emphasized the need to continue to empower youth to become the driving force for progress in Papua.
To achieve optimal progress in Papua, the use of strategic assets, including improving the quality of human resources for the younger generation, must be the main focus. The Indonesian government is firmly committed to continuing to support development and improving the quality of human resources, because this is the key to successful development and sustainability in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Utilization of strategic assets, including improving the quality of human resources for the younger generation, must be the main focus to achieve optimal progress in Papua. The Indonesian government is firmly committed to continuing to support development and improving the quality of human resources, realizing that this is the key to successful development and sustainability in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Through close collaboration between the government, society and the private sector, it is hoped that Papua can experience significant and sustainable progress. Integration of all parties is the main key in achieving this big vision, so that every step taken can go hand in hand and provide maximum positive impact.
With a unified vision and solid cooperation, the Papua border region can become an example of success in overcoming development challenges and creating a brighter future for future generations.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Manado