Government Improves Education and Nutrition Programs in Papua, Public Urged to Maintain Stability
By: Timotius Gobay
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality of education and nutrition in Papua through various strategic policies. This initiative aims to ensure that all children in Indonesia, including those in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions (3T areas), receive quality education and adequate nutrition.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek), Abdul Mu’ti, emphasized the importance of equitable access to proper education for all students. He stressed that every Indonesian child must have a safe and conducive learning environment. The government is determined to eliminate schools with inadequate infrastructure and minimal facilities.
To achieve this, the government is prioritizing three key aspects in education: school infrastructure development, improving teachers’ welfare and quality, and strengthening character education.
In terms of learning, the deep learning approach is being implemented to encourage students to understand subjects more comprehensively. Additionally, the government has introduced brain exercise sessions after lunch breaks to help students maintain energy and focus. These initiatives are expected to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a high enthusiasm for learning among students.
Beyond formal education, the government is also committed to supporting scholarship programs for students from Papua and 3T areas. The Afirmasi Pendidikan Menengah (ADEM) Scholarship and the Afirmasi Pendidikan Tinggi (ADik) Scholarship provide opportunities for Papuan students to receive better education at leading schools and universities across Indonesia.
However, challenges remain in implementing these programs. West Papua Senator Dr. Filep Wamafma has suggested continuous improvements to enhance the quality of education. He also highlighted the need for better educational infrastructure, such as electricity, internet access, laboratories, and libraries, particularly in remote areas of Papua.
Another proposed solution is the establishment of an Educational Volunteer Program to address the shortage of teachers in Papua. These volunteers, comprising university graduates from various fields, are expected to serve as educational drivers in remote areas. The Minister of Education has welcomed this initiative and hopes for its prompt implementation.
Moreover, the involvement of the private sector plays a crucial role in enhancing education quality in Papua. Senator Filep Wamafma emphasized that private companies, through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, could serve as strategic partners in supporting education. Such collaborations are expected to not only improve education quality but also foster positive relationships between businesses and local communities.
In addition to education, the government is also focusing on improving children’s nutrition in Papua through the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This initiative aims to ensure that every child receives sufficient nutrition to support their growth and development in school. Minister Abdul Mu’ti stated that the program is coordinated by the National Nutrition Agency and will undergo continuous evaluations to enhance its effectiveness.
Several challenges in implementing the MBG program have been acknowledged, including adapting meal options to the preferences of Papuan children. Some children have reported disliking certain food items such as rice or specific side dishes. The government is actively reviewing and refining the program’s menu to better cater to local dietary needs.
Support for the MBG program has also come from Papua’s community leaders, including the Secretary of the Synod of the Kingmi Indonesia Evangelical Church, Rev. Dr. Yones Wenda. He affirmed that the program significantly contributes to improving children’s nutrition in Papua while also alleviating the financial burden on families. He urged the Papuan community to support the program and resist any influence from groups attempting to oppose it.
By integrating education quality improvement with better nutrition programs, the government aims to foster a generation of Papuans who are healthier, more intelligent, and competitive on both national and global scales. These initiatives are expected to continue and be refined to maximize their benefits for the people of Papua.
The various measures taken by the government reflect its seriousness in developing Papua’s human resources. From school construction and scholarship programs to the MBG initiative, all efforts are directed at improving the welfare of the Papuan people through education. The public is encouraged not to be swayed by parties that oppose these policies without a clear basis. The government has made extensive efforts in the best interests of Papuan children, and everyone should support these positive programs.
Opposition to the MBG program should be critically and cautiously evaluated. No party should exploit the situation for their own interests at the expense of Papua’s younger generation. Education and nutrition are fundamental rights of children, and government programs designed for their well-being deserve full support from all segments of society.
Let us all support the government’s education and nutrition policies. With unity and cooperation, Papua will continue to progress and stand equal with other regions in Indonesia. Do not allow provocations to undermine the future of Papuan children. Quality education and nutrition are investments in the nation’s progress, and we all share the responsibility of ensuring the successful implementation of these programs.
*) The author is a Papuan student residing in Makassar.
