NABIRE – Efforts to strengthen human resources (HR) in Central Papua continue to be reinforced through a humane, community-oriented approach. The Governor of Central Papua, Meki Fritz Nawipa, plans to establish a Community Academy in Nabire as an inclusive learning space that equips young people with practical and relevant skills.
The academy, to be built in Nabire City, will be designed with a curriculum tailored to the culture and characteristics of the people of Central Papua. According to the Governor, education is the primary foundation for driving regional progress and opening better future opportunities for Papuan children.
“We believe that only through quality education can the potential of this region be elevated and developed,” he said during an interactive dialogue at the Ballroom of the Central Papua Governor’s Office in Nabire.
The Community Academy will focus on vocational education that emphasizes job-ready skills. Its goal is not merely to produce graduates with academic degrees, but to nurture independent, skilled individuals capable of meeting local needs. Community members will be able to learn practical expertise such as building speedboats, becoming tour guides, and other technical skills aligned with the region’s economic potential.
To ensure the program’s effectiveness, the Central Papua Provincial Government will also collaborate with the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) to conduct in-depth research. This study aims to ensure that the academy’s concept is fully aligned with the cultural context, social conditions, and economic needs of the community.
The Community Academy is designed to be inclusive, open to anyone who wishes to develop their skills, not limited to those with strong academic performance. Its spirit is to empower individuals to become experts in their chosen fields while strengthening family and regional economic independence.
As a newly established province, Central Papua faces significant challenges in building its social and economic structures. However, Governor Meki emphasized that consistent investment in human resource development is the key to securing a sustainable future.
“With a strong foundation laid today, we ensure that 100 years from now, our children and grandchildren can continue this great work with solid skills and competence,” he affirmed.
Previously, the Central Papua Provincial Government also introduced several educational initiatives, including the Full-Day School (SSH) program, free laptops for high school students, and tuition-free schooling policies. These initiatives form part of a long-term commitment to providing equitable, high-quality education and sustainably strengthening human resources across Central Papua.
