NABIRE – The spirit of perseverance and determination was demonstrated by a disabled student from Central Papua, 15-year-old Deki Degei, when he led the National Education Day ceremony at Mepa Boarding School in West Nabire District, Nabire Regency, on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Despite relying on only one leg, the 10th-grade high school student confidently led the ceremony attended by hundreds of participants, including students, teachers, dormitory supervisors, and officials from the Central Papua Provincial Government.
The ceremony was also attended by Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, who served as the ceremony inspector. During the approximately 50-minute event, Deki carried out his duties smoothly and confidently without showing any sign of nervousness.
Deki admitted he was initially surprised when the school appointed him as the ceremony leader several days before the event. However, he accepted the responsibility with confidence.
“At first, I was surprised, but I was not afraid. I was willing to become the ceremony leader,” Deki said, as quoted by Kompas.id on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Ahead of the ceremony, Deki prepared himself by practicing with his friend, Daniel Yeimo. Despite his physical limitations, he remained confident in his ability to perform the task well.
Deki comes from Ekauwiya Village in Topiyai District, Paniai Regency, Central Papua. He is the eldest of three siblings born into a farming family.
Deki lost his left leg in an accident when he was still a child in Jayapura. Nevertheless, the condition never diminished his enthusiasm for pursuing education.
“I remain enthusiastic about going to school. Back in elementary school, I really enjoyed studying Indonesian language,” he said.
After completing his elementary and junior high school education in his hometown, Deki decided to continue his studies at Mepa Boarding School to pursue his dreams.
“At that time in Paniai, a teacher invited me to study at Mepa School. I agreed because I have a dream to continue my education,” Deki explained.
Currently, Deki enjoys studying several subjects, including Indonesian, English, Sociology, and Mathematics. He also dreams of becoming the head of the education office so he can help improve the quality of education in Papua.
“In my village, I have friends who do not go to school. Some of them get drunk and inhale glue on the streets. I also want to build many schools,” Deki said.
Headmaster of Mepa Boarding School, Engelbertus Otu, described Deki as a student with extraordinary determination and spirit. According to him, Deki never wanted to be treated differently despite his physical limitations.
He added that Deki independently carries out his school activities without using walking aids.
“So far, he has never used a cane, although we have offered one. The provincial government also offered him a prosthetic leg. Last month, we continued to encourage and support him until he finally agreed,” Engelbertus said.
Deki’s spirit also received appreciation from Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa. According to Meki, Deki demonstrated courage and self-confidence worthy of admiration.
“He is not insecure. He is the best ceremony leader I have ever seen,” Meki stated.
Meki further emphasized that the Central Papua Provincial Government remains committed to providing inclusive education for all Papuan children without exception.
“For me, no Papuan child should be left behind,” he said.
