Indonesia consists of 34 provinces, among them 2 are Papua and West Papua. They used to be known as Irian Jaya and Irian Jaya Barat. Both of these provinces are in the Papua Island. They are both rich in minerals, beautiful nature, biodiversity, and cultures. West Papua for example is famous for its Raja Ampat Islands, while Papua is well known for its Puncak Jaya.
Who is Martha Itaar
Martha Itaar is a young woman from Papua. She is one of two pilot women from Papua who work in Garuda Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia is a flag carrier in Indonesia and it is a national company (BUMN). It is a member of SkyTeam and the second largest Indonesian airlines. Their flights destinations are across Asia, Europe and Australia. They also serve in domestic destination. Garuda Indonesia is the only Indonesian airline that flies to European airspace.
Martha Itaar and Her Dream
Martha Itaar is a young woman who was born in 21 November 1996, Jayapura, Papua. Jayapura is the capital and the largest city in the province of Papua. It is fourth of the largest city by economy in Eastern Indonesia, after Makassar, Denpasar and Manado.
Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamt to be a pilot. She saw how the aviation field is dominated by men, thus she wanted to prove that a woman also can work in this field and become a pilot.
During her school time, she is proven as a smart person within her peer. Her academic was standout. Her science grade always beyond 9. In Indonesia, the grading system usually is from 0-10 or 0-100. After graduated from high school, Martha Itaar took a test in “Biro SDM Papua Province” to continue her study overseas. She was given some options to be chosen by her.
Martha Itaar is a scholarship grantee of Special Autonomy Scholarship (Otsus) from the government in the province of Papua. It was only 4 people were succeeded to go to New Zealand, 2 men and 2 women. She studied in Nelson Aviation College. She graduated with a satisfying grade; she was one of the best graduates during her time.
Her family always supports her for her education, including when Martha Itaar was asking her family permission when she joined a flight competition in New Zealand. It turned out this competition is risky. But, her family has faith in her, they always support Martha to face whatever the challenges and trials in front of her during her journey to achieve her dream.
Apparently, Martha is already very good in driving ever since she was in junior high. She already can drive car and motorcycle. She learned how to drive those transportation on her own.
Martha Accepted in Garuda Indonesia
For her family, the acceptance of Martha Itaar to Garuda Indonesia is sentimental. This is because it is not only making her family proud, but also as a proof that a Papua woman have an equal capability and skill as the others.
Her family believes we are created equal by God, it depends on us how to maximise our potential. Her achievement was more special because she was admitted to be a pilot in the same tine as the Independence Day of Indonesia 74th. Before Martha, it was only men Papuan pilot who works in Garuda Indonesia.
The process that Martha had to pass was not easy. She had to compete with thousand people with a long process of test. But this is also a great chance for them to prove that Papuan people is also capable to be a pilot. They have the same standard as people from other places, even other countries.
Garuda Indonesia Opinion About Martha Achievement
When interviewed, the Director of Garuda Indonesia Ari Askhara said he feel proud that he can recruit one of the best Papuan women, it is one of the proofs every body can be a pilot if they are capable and determine.
Martha Itaar Other Achievement
Martha Itaar actually achieved another award from her school in New Zealand as the best pilot of the year in 2014 for International Student, the award is for Best All Around Flying Performance for International Students.
Martha Itaar achieved a certification of Private Piot License, Commercial Pilot License and Multi Engine Instrument Rating. After she graduated from New Zealand, she continued again her study in Sekolah Penerbangan Ganesha, Jakarta.
She got a certification of Indonesian DGCA Pilot License, whereas in the end of June 2019, her hard work and determination paid off, her dream to be a pilot in one of the best Indonesian airlines is finally achieved.
