Demas Paulus Mandacan was a former regent of Manokwari who served from 2016 until his death in 2020. During his lifetime, Mandacan earned a title as a hard-working individual. Together with his deputy, Edi Budoyo, Mandacan brought betterments to Manokwari in various aspects.
Take a look at his early life, education, organizational experience, and political career.
Early Life and Education
Mandacan was born in Manokwari, West Papua, on Wednesday, February 5, 1975. There are no records of his childhood, but Mandacan started his schooling at a public elementary school in Prafi. It is an institution whose history dates back to Suharto’s New Order.
The school, like other primary schools established by presidential instruction throughout Indonesia, performed to educate children from low-income families.
In his day, there was only one primary school in Prafi, a small district in Manokwari. Today, the government has established more and more basic educational institutions there.
Mandacan graduated in 1987. Later, he went to Warmare Junior High, a junior high school in the Warmare district. He attended high school in Sentani, Papua, until graduating in 1994. For the first time, Mandacan traveled far to further his education.
Unquestionably, Mandacan was an ambitious learner. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Besides, ever since he was a student, Mandacan had always pondered the question of how to improve the quality of life of his people. As a result, Mandacan once again left his hometown and flew all the way to Java.
He pursued a degree in Social Sciences at Gadjah Mada University, one of the leading universities in Indonesia. It was here that Mandacan intersects with politics, and it was also the place that shaped Mandacan as a man who was quick to discover what his complex hometown needed to grow, socially and economically.
Upon obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Mandacan flew back to his birthplace. Presumably, it was around this period that he began researching to dip his toe into politics. Later, Mandacan went on to graduate school and earned a Master of Economics in Development.
Organizational Experiences and Political Careers
Mandacan made his debut as a politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Indonesian: Partai Demokrat Indonesia Perjuangan or PDI-P).
It is unclear what his breakthroughs were during his tenure, but he was appointed Chair of the Regional Representative Council (Indonesian: Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD) of West Papua in 2019.
He rose to power in 2016, with Budoyo taking the position of his deputy. Mandacan was supposed to hold the reins of government until 2021, but he died a year before his term was up. It also cut his term as chairman of the Regional Representatives Council short, where he served for one year.
As a leader, Mandacan demonstrates high integrity, decisiveness, and dedication to his people. He was proactive in dealing with the social and cultural issues that gripped Manokwari, especially those that affected the locals.
His motto is that the Papuan people should thrive on their land. However, that goes without saying that the immigrants were just as important as the natives in Manokwari. Mandacan poured his heart into his work to create a better future for people from all walks of life.
End of Life
Mandacan was found dead at his residence of a heart attack at the age of 45. He is known to already have health issues and is expected to receive follow-up procedures soon. Budoyo as his deputy took over his seat and continued the administration until the end of his term in 2021.
Budoyo recalls Mandacan as an inspiring leader on one occasion. He said that many people felt the loss of his nurturing figure, especially the Manokwari people. During his period, Manokwari experienced significant development.Budoyo added that it was a legacy from Demas Paulus Mandacan who continued to push through the struggle despite his illness.
