by Alfath Bagus Panuntun El Nur Indonesia
Researcher, Center for Capacity Building and Networking FISIPOL, Gadjah Mada University
In 2022, the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Indonesia released the 2021 Human Development Index, placing Papua Province at 60.62 and West Papua Province at 65.26. While these scores show a gradual increase, they remain the lowest across the entire Indonesian archipelago. To change this narrative, the Indonesian government must prioritize Education At West Papua as a cornerstone for regional dignity and human rights. After decades of conflict, Native Papuans deserve a state that actively fosters their intellectual and social growth rather than just providing infrastructure.
Current data suggests that previous strategies, including Special Autonomy (Otsus) and regional expansion, have failed to dismantle the “poor, sick, and uneducated” stigma. A recent study involving respondents from Mappi (coastal) and Puncak (mountainous) districts highlights a troubling reality: the state remains largely absent in the educational development of its people.
Persistent Barriers to Learning and Schooling in the Region
The research identifies three critical gaps where the state fails to support Education At West Papua. First, a significant disparity exists regarding the presence of qualified teachers. Although official statistics claim an ideal teacher-to-student ratio of 1:16, these numbers mask a harsh truth. Most teachers congregate in urban centers like Jayapura or Timika, leaving rural schools in Puncak and Mappi completely abandoned.
Second, the quality of instruction suffers because the system relies heavily on honorary teachers. While civil servant teachers hold better qualifications and receive higher pay, they frequently skip classes to attend seminars or non-academic meetings. This lack of commitment, combined with ongoing security disturbances, prevents a stable learning environment. The state fails to evaluate teacher performance effectively, leaving students without the guidance they need to succeed.
Reforming Scholarship Management for Native Papuans
Effective Education At West Papua requires more than just a large budget; it demands rigorous oversight. Over the last nine years, local governments have launched various scholarship programs for Native Papuans (OAP). Unfortunately, the authorities focus only on the disbursement of funds and ignore the monitoring of student progress.
Because the government lacks a strategic human resource map, many scholarship recipients struggle without direction. Without proper evaluation, many students drop out or graduate without the practical skills necessary for the modern workforce. This mismanagement turns a potential tool for social mobility into a wasted opportunity for the community.
Strategies to Enhance Education At West Papua and Social Mobility
To ensure the survival and prosperity of Native Papuans, the Indonesian government must resolve the root causes of this educational crisis. Strengthening Education At West Papua acts as a direct effort to protect the existence of the OAP. Experts suggest three immediate steps:
- Revamp Teacher Recruitment: The government must recruit skilled teachers from both inside and outside the region. These educators should receive performance-based incentives and participate in knowledge-transfer programs to help local teachers improve their methods.
- Expand Affirmative Scholarships: Authorities should increase the number of scholarships for Native Papuans to attend top-tier global and domestic universities. Improving the governance and monitoring of these funds will ensure that students actually complete their degrees.
- Guarantee Safety and Security: Conflict in regions like Maybrat and Intan Jaya frequently shuts down schools. The state must provide a secure environment where both teachers and students can pursue knowledge without fear of violence.
By taking these steps to improve Education At West Papua, the state can finally move from a distant presence to an active partner in the lives of its citizens. Only through a robust and well-managed educational system can Native Papuans achieve the social mobility they have been denied for decades.
