Merauke, Papua – Indigenous communities must be prepared to become the primary drivers of development by strengthening literacy and improving the quality of human resources, according to an Indigenous leader in Papua.
Yohanis Agabi Mahuze, Chair of the Wanam Customary Council and Chair of the Indigenous Community Institution (LMA) of Ilwayab District, said quality education rooted in local customs and cultural values is essential to ensure Indigenous communities are ready to benefit from future development.
“The key is quality education that remains rooted in customary values and culture,” Yohanis said in a statement quoted on Friday.
Speaking during a public discussion in Merauke on Friday, Yohanis emphasized that efforts to improve literacy and education should go hand in hand with the acceleration of development under the National Strategic Project (PSN), particularly in the Wanam area of Papua.
“Development is a shared necessity. However, Indigenous communities must also be prepared,” he said.
According to Yohanis, the implementation of the Wanam National Strategic Project will bring significant social and economic changes to communities in Ilwayab District. Therefore, he urged the government to pay special attention to local residents, particularly the younger generation.
“They should become the first generation to benefit from development through better access to education, skills training, and future employment opportunities,” Yohanis said.
He stressed that education is the most important long-term investment for Indigenous communities, enabling them to adapt to social change while enhancing their competitiveness without losing their cultural identity.
In addition to education, Yohanis highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing customary values as the foundation for shaping the character of Papua’s younger generation.
“Customary traditions are not merely a legacy of the past, but a way of life that shapes character, leadership, and community unity. Therefore, preserving Indigenous traditions must become a development priority that is implemented seriously and sustainably,” he said.
Yohanis also underlined the importance of involving Indigenous communities at every stage of the development process, saying such participation would strengthen public ownership of government programs while enhancing their social legitimacy.
“With that approach, prosperity, cultural preservation, and Papua’s development can progress hand in hand,” Yohanis said.
