Biak Numfor, Papua, Indonesia – The Biak Numfor Regency is set to become the first location in Papua to host Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School), a free, boarding-based education program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. The initiative aims to provide equal learning opportunities for children from underprivileged families while fostering character development and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Markus Oktovianus Mansnembra, **Regent of Biak Numfor, expressed gratitude for the central government’s support in realizing this program. He confirmed that technical preparations, including coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), are underway to ensure smooth implementation.
“We thank President Prabowo Subianto for prioritizing education in Papua through the People’s School. A team from the relevant ministries will soon conduct a site survey to assess infrastructure readiness,” said Regent Markus after leading a joint civil servant assembly on Tuesday (April 8, 2025).
The program will initially admit 25-50 senior high school (SMA) students in its first batch, with facilities such as dormitories, classrooms, and learning support systems already prepared. The plan includes expanding the program to elementary (SD) and junior high (SMP) levels in the following academic years.
Despite being tuition-free, Regent Markus emphasized that teacher recruitment will be highly selective to maintain education quality. “The teachers must be the best because our mission goes beyond academics—we aim to shape students’ character and empower them to escape poverty,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about funding, the regent clarified that all costs are covered by the national government and will not affect local education budgets. “This is a national priority program, so it will not reduce the existing education budget allocation for Biak Numfor,” he explained.
A joint team from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of PUPR** will soon conduct an on-site assessment to finalize preparations. If all goes as planned, the People’s School is expected to commence soon, offering new hope for Papua’s youth through accessible, quality education.
