In the midst of this blissful Ramadan atmosphere, positive news emerged from the land of Papua. To support children’s education in Waa-Banti, TNI-POLRI entered school. On 12/4/2023, the TNI-Polri, in collaboration with PT Freeport Indonesia held educational activities at the Waa Village Hall, Banti.
The social activity was in the form of teaching and learning aimed at early childhood. 75 indigenous Papuan students attended this activity.
Restoration of Education and Cultivation of Patriotism
As we know, in Papua, certain groups still defect from the principles of the State or are commonly called separatist groups. Therefore, the golden generations of Papua must be saved from the bad influence of these groups.
One of the best efforts to prevent children from falling into groups that endanger the State is to instill a spirit of patriotism. So the activities held by the TNI-Polri together with PTFI are a form of their concern for Papuan children.
Launching from West Papua Daily, Company Commander of SSk 1 Battalion Infantry TNI (Yonif) Raider 631/ATG, Captain Sidiq Sumantri, said, “This activity is an effort to create conditions for the recovery of education and efforts to anticipate the influence of separatist groups in Tembagapura District”.
Ideal education is the main key so children love their country and are not tainted with rebellious thoughts from banned organizations. The educational activities conducted by TNI-Polri and PTFI focus on instilling a sense of love for the country in children in Waa-Banti Papua.
In addition, they are also trying to improve the quality of children in learning, especially children who live near the Post. Indeed, Papuan children have extraordinary potential, as evidenced by the many Papuan children who have represented Indonesia in various international championships.
It’s just that many of them still get an education far from the word proper. Therefore, what the TNI-Polri and PTFI are doing is warmly welcomed by the people of Waa-Banti Papua.
Still, the same speaker, Captain Sidiq Sumantri, said, “We also motivate children to be more diligent in school and enthusiastic about studying so that the knowledge gained can be useful for the future of yourself, family and environment”.
Education is a Shared Responsibility
The progress or failure of a nation depends on the progress or failure of its education. No wonder many schools or campuses that are ranked top in the world are held by developed countries. Because the country can advance due to its quality generation, a quality generation cannot be separated from quality education.
If you say the education problem is only the government’s responsibility, then forever quality education will not be evenly distributed throughout the country. Captain Sidiq Sumantri stated that education is not only the government’s responsibility but also our responsibility.
So that one day a militant young generation will emerge and be able to compete in the international arena of life. If each of us has a sense of responsibility to create a quality young generation, Indonesia, especially Papua, will become the most advanced civilization in the world, not just a dream.
They started this activity with gymnastics together. Doing gymnastics in the morning will foster enthusiasm when doing other activities. In addition, gymnastics can also bring positive energy, which makes the mood happy.
This was followed by a prayer led by Mrs. Ririn (a member of the Tembagapura PTFI Women’s Association). At 09.00 Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT), all students entered their classrooms according to the predetermined division.
The division is based on the age of the students who are divided into three classes, namely:
– Small class: 29 students
– Medium class: 25 students
– Large class: 21 students
The lesson continued until 11:30 am. This activity was then closed with prayer.
Hopefully, to support children’s education in Waa-Banti, TNI POLRI can collaborate and help the children in remote areas.
