Nabire – A senior teacher in Central Papua, Isayas Tigi, welcomed the free school program implemented by the Central Papua Provincial Government. After 32 years of service in education, he said his hope of seeing all Papuan children have access to education without financial constraints is finally being realized.
Isayas views the free education policy as a strategic step in increasing school participation and reducing dropout rates, especially in remote areas of Central Papua. For years, many students have faced economic constraints that have prevented them from continuing their education to a higher level.
The Central Papua Provincial Government continues to expand the scope of the free education program as part of its human resource development program. The Central Papua Education and Culture Office previously stated that the program reaches tens of thousands of junior high, senior high, vocational high, and special needs students in eight regencies, with funding sourced from the regional government budget through the free education program and Regional School Operational Assistance (Bosda).
Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa emphasized that the free education policy represents the regional government’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Central Papua has an equal opportunity to receive an education. The government also allocates funds to support students’ educational needs, including those living in school dormitories.
The program has received praise from various groups for its ability to open broader access to education for Papua’s younger generation. The presence of free schools is expected to lay the foundation for developing superior and competitive human resources in the future, while also fulfilling the hopes of educators who have dedicated themselves for decades to advancing education in Papua.
