The development of education in West Papua has progressed a lot these past years. All of this began with the establishment of the University of Cendrawasih back in 1962. Since then, there were more universities and colleges have been established, making education in this province more advanced and growing rapidly.
Recently, many people have started to put West Papua as a destination to continue their studies. Its rich cultures and diversity become a kind of “magnetic power” that attracts them to explore new experiences while studying there. If you are interested too, here are the five top universities in West Papua to consider:
University of Cenderawasih
As explained previously, the University of Cendrawasih was established in 1962 as the first and oldest university in West Papua. Over time, the University of Cendrawasih continuously grew until this university became the most popular university. Due to its popularity, many West Papuan always put this university as their first option to continue their study.
This university itself is located in Jayapura, with two main campus locations in Wamena and Abepura. Each campus is completed with extracurricular facilitation like a library, sports stadium, computer center, and auditorium. The University of Cendrawasih has faculty in law, nursing, teacher training education, engineering, medical, economics, social & political sciences, and agricultural sciences.
For additional information, in 2000, the Agricultural science faculty separated from this university and established the new one known as the University of Papua. Some well-known figures have studied at this university, like Boaz Solossa, John Rumbiak, and Barnabas Suebu.
University of Papua
The University of Papua was established in 2000. Formerly, this university was part of the University of Cendrawasih. But then, agricultural sciences chose to separate and establish this university. For the university’s location, it has been spread into three locations: in Sorong, Manokwari, and Raja Ampat.
The University of Papua has 13 faculties, including economics, engineering, forestry, agriculture, and many more. Each faculty has more than 47 concretions that show how quickly the development of education in West Papua was. This university also has some facilities, such as a sports stadium and computer center to support students’ activities. Another fun fact about this university is many graduates have made it to continue studying abroad, which is proven to be the best quality of the University of Papua.
Sains and Technology Jayapura
The next top university in West Papua to consider is Sains and Technology Jayapura. Established in 1984 by the Governor of West Papua as a privately owned, this university is the first one focusing on the development of science and technology.
As the most well-known university in this province, this university offers various scholarships and other faculties as well. Not only that but also this university provided computers in class. Starting with 150 students, now this university has around 2,000 – 5,000 enrolled students and has over 10,000 graduates from across West Papua and Papua.
University of Musamus Merauke
University of Musamus Merauke was established in 2006 as STT (Sekolah Tinggi Teknik). Located in Merauke, at first, this school only concentrated on technology and engineering studies. But, over time, this school changed its status to a university and has added some more faculty.
Now, this university has a total of five faculties: social, political sciences, economics, teacher training and education, and agriculture which are divided into 49 majors. Like other universities, the University of Musamus Merauke provided its students with some facilities like free Wi-Fi connection, a library, and a sports facility.
Christian University of Papua
The last top university from this province worth mentioning is the Christian University of Papua. Established in 1856 as privately owned, this university is one of the oldest institutions. Since West Papuans are mostly Christian, this university focused on this specific religious education.
The Christian University of Papua now has six faculties with more than ten study programs that range from Law, Technique, Theology, Agriculture, Economy, and Mathematics & Science. Not only that, but this university also offers complete degrees, from Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.
The existence of these top universities has proven the education system in West Papua has developed well. These good changes should be maintained so that more West Papuans can get a chance to get the best education. Hopefully, they can use their knowledge to advance this province for the better in the future.
