Education is one of the most important factors to determine a nation’s strength in human resources. Not only that, education is one of the basic needs that everyone must have to become a useful citizen in building a better society. As one of the provinces located in Papua, it is said that education is the key to West Papua development. In this article, we will look into a brief overview of education in West Papua, as well as the development of education in this province.
Brief Overview of Education In West Papua
According to Ipenburg (2009), education in West Papua started in the early times. In this early period, educational teaching was in the form of an oral tradition among tribal members. This form of education continued until 1902. The Dutch government established several administrative centers in Manokwari, Fak-Fak, and Merauke. This increased the presence of the Church which had been established by the previous missionaries in 1850. Education was in the hands of the Dutch Government until 1962. The sudden change of government forced West Papuan Education to be reformed according to the Indonesian government.
Since then, education in West Papua has slowly developed. Up until today, 1,708 education institutions can be accessed in West Papua. From elementary school to senior high school. In addition to that, there are also 21 public and private universities that opened in West Papua. Some of which offer some essential skill sets and knowledge to shape better and more knowledgeable citizens which are essential to increase the development of this province.
Development of Education in West Papua
Located in the Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua has experienced some development in recent years, especially in terms of education. During a visit to Sorong, The Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, expressed a positive vision regarding the development of education in West Papua. He expressed this optimism based on the fact that teachers and every supportive element of education in West Papua have implemented the paradigm of Learning Freedom, which according to him, has become the basic mindset to support the development of education in this province.
In addition, the Government of Indonesia has taken several steps and programs. The program is to overcome problems that have the potential to hinder the development of education in West Papua. Along with the local government, the Indonesian government established a program called Front Line Teacher (Guru Garis Depan) in 2014. This long-term program aims to reduce the problem of lack of educators in some remote areas in Indonesia, including West Papua.
In the following years, there have been several implemented programs that increase students’ participation in education. Some of the implemented programs are dormitory pattern education for early to middle level in 2019 and driving school (Sekolah Penggerak) in 2021. As a result, the success rate of these programs can be seen from the increase of literacy rate amongst the residents of different provinces in West Papua. And the increase of student participation rate from year to year.
Conclusion
Education in West Papua has increased exponentially since the change of government from the Dutch Government to Indonesia in 1962. However, some problems can still be found in the process of development of education in West Papua. But, the Indonesian government along with the cooperation of the local government has implemented some long-term programs to deal with problems such as lack of educators, and low education participation rate. All of which seem to have a positive impact on the development of education in West Papua. As a result, West Papua will continuously improve as a province with the support of better human resources.
