By: Hugo Yokai )*
Human Resources (HR) development in Papua continues to be the government’s focus in its efforts to create the next generation who is ready to compete in the future. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), on various occasions, has always emphasized the importance of developing Papuan human resources as one of the keys to successful national development. This was emphasized again at the peak celebration of the 40th National Children’s Day which was held at Istora Papua Bangkit, Sentani, Jayapura.
President Jokowi assesses that Papuan children have extraordinary abilities in the academic field, including in mathematics. At this event, several Papuan children were able to practice the Gasing (Easy, Fun, Enjoyable) learning method which makes mathematics easier to understand. The President also revealed that the potential of Papuan human resources is very large and they only need the right guidance so they can be brighter.
Jokowi emphasized the importance of preparing the younger generation well, especially in terms of knowledge, insight and character. According to him, children need to be encouraged to continue learning, develop abilities and have strong character. Jokowi also gave quizzes to the children who attended as a form of motivation to keep them enthusiastic about learning and achieving. Still in the series of National Children’s Day events, Papuan children also conveyed their aspirations to the President regarding their attention and concern for the future of Papua’s young generation.
Papua has its own uniqueness in the context of national development. This region, which is rich in culture and natural resources, requires a special approach in human resource development. Education is one of the main pillars that the government pays great attention to in its efforts to develop the potential of the sons and daughters of the Papuan region. Educational programs such as scholarships, skills training, and the introduction of innovative learning methods, such as the Gasing method, are expected to improve the quality of education in this area.
Jokowi also emphasized that the development of Papuan human resources must be in line with the infrastructure development that has been intensively carried out. The presence of quality schools, competent teaching staff, and wider access to education are important parts of Papua’s big human resource development plan. Not only that, the development of technical skills in certain fields must also continue to be encouraged, especially skills that support local industry and the development of the creative economy.
These various efforts are in line with the spirit of national progress to ensure that no region is left behind in the development process, including Papua. The government is committed to creating equal opportunities for all Indonesian children, including children in Papua, so that they can contribute to nation building.
The central government does not work alone in developing Papuan human resources. Collaboration with local governments, educational institutions and the private sector is an important factor that supports the success of the programs being implemented. One concrete example of this collaboration is the provision of scholarships for Papuan children who excel. This scholarship not only helps them continue their education to a higher level, but also provides motivation to continue to excel.
On the other hand, the government also pays attention to employment challenges. Under President Jokowi’s instructions, the welfare of workers in Papua continues to be fought for, one of which is by developing human resources so that Papuan people can quickly adapt to changing employment trends.
The Minister of Manpower (Menaker) of the Republic of Indonesia, Ida Fauziyah, emphasized the importance of preparing Papuan human resources well, so that they are able to compete in a job market that continues to develop and is dynamic. Employment challenges in the current era of globalization are increasingly complex and require maximum preparedness.
One of the main challenges facing Papua in developing human resources is digitalization and the green economy. Digitalization has driven the growth of a green economic sector that is increasingly flexible, but demands new skills that must be possessed by today’s workforce.
Responding to these challenges, the government continues to strive to develop a comprehensive strategy to prepare Indonesian workers, including from Papua, to be adaptive and competitive in the future. Improving skills through vocational education and training is one of the key steps in creating a quality workforce. This education and training must be oriented to the needs of today’s industry and job market, including in rapidly developing sectors such as the digital economy and the green economy.
The government also continues to strive to expand access to training for the Papuan people, both in urban and rural areas, so that all levels of society can enjoy the benefits of these skills development programs. Apart from technical training, soft skills training such as time management, communication and teamwork are also an important part in forming a competitive workforce.
With this approach, it is hoped that Papuan human resources will not only be ready to face domestic employment challenges, but can also compete on the international stage. Papuan human resource development is not only about creating a productive workforce, but also about producing a generation capable of bringing positive change to the economy and society in Papua.
The government is optimistic that with various ongoing human resource development efforts, Papua will be able to optimize its demographic bonus. Papuan young people have great potential to become future leaders, both in the economic, political and social fields. The challenges currently faced are opportunities to create significant change for the Papuan people, especially the younger generation.
)* Researcher from the Papua Growth Research Center