PUNCAK, INDONESIA — In a major push to improve education and human resource development in one of Indonesia’s most remote regions, the local government of Puncak Regency in Central Papua has launched the “Puncak Smart Scholarship Program” for 2025. The initiative specifically targets Indigenous Papuan high school graduates and aims to provide them with access to high-quality education opportunities across Indonesia.
The program, initiated under the leadership of Regent Elvis Tabuni and Vice Regent Naftali Akawal, is part of their 2025–2030 administration agenda that prioritizes education as a key development sector. It will be carried out in collaboration with the Binterbusih Foundation, a long-standing educational organization that has worked with Papuan students for nearly four decades.
During a public briefing held on May 16 at the BPKAD Hall in Ilaga, Puncak’s Acting Regional Secretary, Nenu Tabuni, emphasized the urgency of improving educational outcomes in the region.
“The state of education in Puncak is still far from ideal. That’s why the regional leaders have introduced this scholarship as a strategic breakthrough to develop capable and competitive young Papuans,” said Tabuni.
The 2025 Puncak Smart Scholarship is open to recent graduates from both local schools and those studying in other cities such as Nabire, Timika, and Jayapura. Selected students will receive full financial support for their education.
The program also involves close cooperation with students’ families. Parents and guardians are required to sign a commitment letter pledging their full support for the initiative and agreeing to entrust their children’s academic and personal development to the Binterbusih Foundation.
Pascalis Abner, Chairperson of the Binterbusih Foundation, expressed strong support for the partnership and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to Papuan education.
“For 37 years, we have worked with Papuan youth. It hasn’t always been smooth—there have been challenges and sacrifices—but we remain committed to building a strong, educated generation from Papua,” Abner said.
The socialization event was attended by local government officials, education department staff, school heads, and dozens of students and parents. According to the Puncak Education Office, 85 students are currently eligible for the scholarship, including 41 students studying outside the regency.
This initiative is seen as a step toward closing the education gap between Papua and more developed regions of Indonesia, especially in Java, where many of the scholarship recipients will pursue their studies.
