Literacy does not only focus on individual change but has a complex view covering a broader social context (Environmental Literacy and Educated Communities). Therefore, literacy is not only closely related to the level of formal education but is more comprehensive than that.
Seeing the dynamics of literature in West Papua, many problems are faced. Of course, we can view this problem as an obstacle and a constraint, but we can also interpret it as a challenge and an opportunity to grow.
Factors Affecting Literature in West Papua
According to Miller McKenna (2016), four factors can influence the occurrence of literacy activities.
- Culture Includes ideas, values, norms, and meanings formed by families, communities, and the broader environment that affect literacy behavior.
- Proficiency or skill is an initial requirement for someone to be able to access literacy resources. Reading written texts requires skill requirements such as being illiterate-free.
- Access is a supporting resource where people can use literacy resources such as public libraries, bookstores, and mass media.
- Alternatives are various choices of information and entertainment technology devices. Alternative can be another option for accessing literacy resources by electronic and digital devices.
The four factors above have essential and interrelated roles in supporting literacy activities, so the absence of one element will affect the function of the other factors.
The Cultural Dimension of the Papuan Community
Papua Province in the cultural dimension (Reading Habits) is still lacking. West Papua is in position 28 of 34 provinces with a total index of 23.27%, and Papua lasts with an index of 13.72. The government should pay more attention to the eastern part of Indonesia.
With these various indicators, all parties should pay more attention to Papua, seeing that literature in West Papua is fundamental for human and regional progress.
The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development in Papua has resulted in a disappointing focus on ethical issues. Without appropriate literacy activities, it will trigger many other ethical problems. We all know that the primary goal of the state is to be able to educate the nation.
West Papua Literature Programs “Noken Pustaka”
In 2015, Noken Pustaka was founded to become a teacher. In his 20 years of teaching, this middle school teacher has seen that pupils in Papua have shallow levels of reading proficiency and inadequate support systems.
To encourage West Papuan youngsters to want to read, Misbah then conducted the “Ayo Membaca” initiative by setting up a type of basic library. And this first program is thought to have a favorable effect.
The borrow and read program allows kids to check out one book at a time. Children will take any steps to learn to read if they are interested in doing so, including asking their parents questions or working with their instructor.
The goal of literature in West Papua is moving closer to reality thanks to this initiative, which has successfully drawn the interest of more than 40 volunteers. The neighborhood also responded favorably by providing amenities on many occasions.
An Anthology of Papuan Literary Works
Langkat Tapanuli, Minangkabau, among other Indonesian literary works, was created in the Sumatran society between 1870 and 1942.
The Sinking of the Van der Wijck Ship (The Sinking of the Van der Wijck Ship), written by Hamka, was one of the well-known literary works of the time and told a tale of love and adversity.
The youth of Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, numerous other islands, and Papua continued to have a passion for writing. They also used the Malay literary works as learning resources.
Thankfully, the growth of literature in West Papua over the past few years has been both quick and steady. Sesilius Kegou, one of the most well-known writers from Papua, just published his novel Blood Trail. When Papuan youth voiced concern about not understanding the battle against failure and poverty, they started writing the book in 2018. The reality of Papua, which was “painted” with blood and tears, is also described in the book.
An English translation of the Papuan ecological book Anggadi Tupa, written by another Papuan author John Waromi, was just released. They claimed that if young Papuans don’t write, it’s the same as burying their culture’s history and tales.
Bottom Line
A nation’s progress is marked by its education, advanced education, and civilization. For that, keep away all personal interests and ego. Let’s create literature in West Papua with optimism, enthusiasm, and hope for a brighter future. As a whole, the end of Papua is in the hands of the next generation’s children. Whether or not the next generation is suitable depends on what we do today for them.