Jakarta – The Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, Sains, dan Teknologi (Kemdiktisaintek) continues to reinforce the higher education and research ecosystem in Papua through the transfer of partial use rights of the former Jayapura Archaeology Center building from the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN). The move forms part of the government’s broader commitment to expanding access, improving the quality of higher education, and strengthening research capacity in eastern Indonesia.
The official handover took place at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Monday (March 2). The transition marks a significant milestone in institutional strengthening efforts in Papua, particularly in supporting academic and research activities at Institut Seni dan Budaya Indonesia Tanah Papua (ISBI Tanah Papua).
Acting Secretary-General of Kemdiktisaintek, Badri Munit Sucokro, expressed appreciation for BRIN’s support in facilitating the transfer. He emphasized that the facility will be utilized productively to enhance academic programs, research initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration.
“Our principle is to ensure that every policy is inclusive, adaptive, and impactful, so that this facility genuinely strengthens research and higher education in Papua,” Badri stated.
He also underlined the importance of inter-agency collaboration in developing centers of excellence in eastern Indonesia. In line with national directives, the ministry is currently promoting the establishment of Inter-University Research Centers to expand the national research network and foster partnerships with BRIN and other institutions.
Meanwhile, BRIN’s Principal Secretary, Nur Tri Aries Suestiningtyas, affirmed that the transfer represents more than an administrative process. According to her, it reflects a long-term collaborative commitment between BRIN and Kemdiktisaintek to strengthen research and education in Papua.
“This asset has officially been handed over to Kemdiktisaintek to support ISBI’s activities in Tanah Papua, and all administrative processes have been completed,” she said.
Head of BRIN’s Research Organization for Archaeology, Language, and Literature, Herry Jogaswara, added that the scientific collections housed in the former Archaeology Center hold strong potential to support cultural research and learning in Papua. He expressed hope that continued collaboration between BRIN, universities, and local governments would enhance socio-cultural research capacity in the region.
Through this strategic step, the government aims to optimize existing facilities to support academic development, cultural research, and cross-sector partnerships, while advancing an inclusive and equitable national development agenda in Papua and across eastern Indonesia.
