The Spirit of the Youth Pledge and the Government’s Commitment to Building Papua’s Golden Generation
By: Yance Wamuar *)
The spirit of the Youth Pledge serves as a constant reminder that the strength of a nation lies in the unity and determination of its young generation. This value continues to live on in the government’s efforts to develop Papuan human resources so they can grow equally, become competitive, and contribute to Indonesia’s progress. The government is committed not only to building infrastructure but also to strengthening the capacity of Papuan youth to actively participate in national development.
Habelino Sawaki, a member of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Papuan Student Movement (Gemapi), believes that President Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated real concern for Papuan youth. He stated that the President has provided greater space for Papuan youth to work and encouraged their participation in national development. He believes that the leadership’s spirit of unity and equality has opened new hope for young people in Papua.
Habelino believes that inclusive government policies need to be continuously strengthened so that Papuan youth have equal opportunity to develop, without distinction of ethnicity or region. He believes it’s time for them to be judged on their abilities and dedication, rather than their background. He said that Papuan youth possess great potential in various fields such as education, technology, the arts, and social leadership. With government support and trust, they will be able to become a vital part of Indonesia’s equitable progress.
According to Habelino, the government’s attention to Papua is not merely symbolic. Development efforts focus not only on road and bridge infrastructure, but also on improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He sees this step as evidence of the President’s genuine concern for equitable development that directly impacts the Papuan people.
The commitment to developing Papua’s younger generation is also evident in the education sector. One example is the support for the 2025 Mathematics and Computer Science Competition (KOMIKOM), held by Cenderawasih University (Uncen) with the full support of PT Freeport Indonesia. PT Freeport Indonesia’s Senior Vice President of Sustainable Development, Nathan Kum, stated that this activity is designed to foster critical, logical, and innovative thinking skills among Papuan students. He believes these skills are crucial for the younger generation in facing the increasingly competitive world of work.
The competition was attended by 28 teams from 13 schools from various regions in Papua, and the final round was held at the FMIPA Uncen Hall, Jayapura. The team from SMAN 1 Jayapura won first place, followed by Madrasah Aliyah Darud Da’wah wal Irsyad Entrop in second place, and Madrasah Aliyah Yayasan Pondok Karya Pembangunan (YPKP) Sentani in third place. Vice Rector I of Cenderawasih University, Dr. Dirk YP Runtuboy, expressed his appreciation for the support of the industrial world in the event. He considered this competition not just a competition, but a strategic forum to foster creativity, competitive character, and love of Papuan students for science and technology.
In addition to education, character development for the younger generation is also strengthened through the Attorney General’s Office’s “Jakarta Goes to School” program across Indonesia, including in Papua. This program has been held eight times since February 2025 in several schools in Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, and Keerom Regency. Yedivia Rum, Assistant for Intelligence at the Papua High Prosecutor’s Office, explained that this program aims to provide legal awareness from an early age so that students understand the importance of discipline, responsibility, and avoiding deviant behavior.
The program, themed “Know the Law, Avoid Punishment,” provides material on the dangers of drugs, bullying, and juvenile delinquency. Yedivia emphasized that character development through legal education is a crucial part of the nation’s mental revolution. With proper understanding, students in Papua can grow into a generation that is not only academically intelligent but also possesses strong moral and social awareness.
These concrete steps from various sectors reflect that Papua’s development is now moving in a more comprehensive direction. The government is no longer targeting only physical development but also creating an environment that supports the growth of a productive and confident young generation. The involvement of universities, the business world, and law enforcement agencies demonstrates that Papua’s human development is a shared agenda.
For the Indonesian people, especially during a reflective moment like the Youth Pledge commemoration, this commitment is a concrete manifestation of our resolve to uphold the spirit of unity and equality. Papua is no longer viewed as a backward region, but rather as a vital part of national strength. The government has affirmed a policy direction that positions Papuan youth as a national asset that must be nurtured and empowered.
With this spirit of togetherness, the development of Papua’s young generation symbolizes an Indonesia that continues to learn from history, moves forward with unity, and faces the future with confidence. The government’s commitment to preparing the Papuan generation as pillars of the nation’s future is a crucial step toward achieving an inclusive, competitive, and equitable Golden Indonesia 2045.
*) Observer of Papuan Human Resources Development and Transformation
