There are still many Indonesians – especially from West Papua – who wish for the same things.
The top three dream careers in Indonesia are still dominated by becoming a civil servant (PNS or Pegawai Negeri Sipil) or working for the National Armed Forces or Police. There are those who wish to become doctors too.
The West Papua Youngsters As Entrepreneurs: Is It Possible?
There is nothing wrong with wishing to fulfill such careers above. However, are those the only careers for young Indonesians?
Is it possible for young people from this country, especially West Papua, to pursue other careers?
The answer is: yes. Ruth Somisu and Desi Esema are the two young women of indigenous Papuans – who are willing to make this possible.
Who are they and what do they do? Why do they choose to do this?
Meet Ruth Somisu and Desi Esema: The Trailblazers for Young Papuan Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Ruth Somisu and Desi Esema received educational scholarships from the provincial government of Papua.
They completed their studies at WMU (Western Michigan University) and the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA, in 2020.
Ruth and Desi conveyed the invitation to all young people in Papua and West Papua, especially the indigenous youths, to consider more varied career opportunities.
Ruth is from Tanah Merah, Jayapura. She is now a lecturer at STBS (Swadiri Bio Science College) in Jayapura. She teaches business and entrepreneurship.
With Desi, she is currently a part of GARAP, the association for young entrepreneurs from Papua.
Working with the founders and mentors in GARAP, these remarkable young women encouraged young people in Papua and West Papua to open up new economic opportunities as entrepreneurs.
Ruth graduated from a bachelor’s program at Corban University – with Mathematics as her major. She also finished her master’s degree at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She majored in Business Administration.
Story of Desi Esema from West Papua
Meanwhile, Desi – who is from Yakuhimo – received her scholarship in 2015 and participated in debriefing and coaching at JIC (Jakarta International College) for ten months.
Then, she started enrolling in college in 2017. Desi majored in aviation management and operations.
Lukas Enembe, SIP., MH., the governor of Papua, was concerned with how to build the HR (human resources) for indigenous Papuans through scholarship programs – either for students studying in universities in their home country or abroad.
That is why both Ruth and Desi appreciated his policy to support this and make this happen.
Ruth wished that this scholarship program to prepare more young entrepreneurs in West Papua must be prioritized by both the Central Government (of Indonesia) and the Papuan Provincial Government.
Although the result may not be seen today, Ruth stated with conviction: “But ten to twenty years from now, the impact is definitely positive.”
According to Desi, her experiences studying in the United States have helped her a great deal in terms of gaining knowledge from experts and foreign lecturers with high discipline.
Ruth and Desi encouraged young Papuan students of universities, both from home and abroad, to finish their studies on time.
That way, they all could start building Papua and West Papua right away since their contribution is need.
Ruth and Desi, the two trailblazers of GARAP, receive more support as well from Aryoko AF Rumaropen, the BPSDM head. (BPSDM is the agency for human resources development).
Yes, It Is Possible – With A Lot of Hard Word, Support, and Willingness
Once again, there is nothing wrong with wishing to pursue certain careers most people seek.
Ruth Somisu and Desi Esema are only providing other entrepreneurial opportunities for their fellow young Papuans, especially the indigenous.
It is about time that West Papua flourished with more career opportunities. After all, each resident is responsible for building the province.
Remember, more work opportunities mean more possibilities.
