The violence that occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025, around 16.00 WIT, in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, left a deep wound for the education world in Papua. The brutal action of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) not only threatens lives, but also destroys the spirit and mentality of teachers who have dedicated their lives to enlightening the young generation in the hinterland.
Teachers who have been the main pillar of education in conflict areas now have to struggle with severe trauma. Fear of the threat of attack, loss of security, and psychological pressure from the incident made many of them reluctant to return to the classroom.
Seeing this condition, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) collaborated with the Indonesian Psychology Association (HIMPSI) to design concrete steps to restore the condition of the affected educators. One of these real efforts is realized in a program titled “Training as Healing” a trauma recovery training specifically aimed at teachers who are victims of armed violence.
This activity was held for four days in Jayapura City, with a psychosocial approach designed to help participants manage trauma, improve mental resilience, and restore their spirit and motivation as educators.
This program is proven to have a positive impact. Although not fully recovered psychologically, as many as 80 trainee teachers began to show a change in attitude and courage to return to teaching, even though not in the same location as the scene.
One of the trainees, Vantiana, expressed her gratitude after participating in this program:
“I didn’t want to go back to teaching. Every night I imagine the sound of gunshots and students crying. But after attending this training, I started to learn to accept, forgive, and get back up. Now I am ready to teach again, even if not in the same place,” said Vantiana.
The government hopes that the “Training as Healing” program will be a sustainable trauma recovery model, especially in conflict-prone areas in Papua. This training not only touches on the psychological aspect, but also becomes a safe space for teachers to share experiences, strengthen solidarity, and formulate steps forward together.
The Deputy for Coordination of Education Quality Improvement and Religious Moderation of the Ministry of Education PMK stated that this program is a form of government commitment to the protection of educators as the spearhead of human resource development in Papua.
“Teachers are heroes without merit, and they should not fight alone. The country is here to restore and strengthen them.”
This program also received appreciation from the local government and Papuan education figures who hoped that similar activities could be carried out periodically, not only in response to tragedy, but also as a preventive measure in dealing with potential security disturbances to the education world in Papua.
With the existence of this program, it is hoped that the seeds of hope that had withered because of violence can grow again, and the spirit of serving teachers will remain burning for a brighter and more peaceful future in Papua.
