Maria Jochu, a Papuan woman who graduated from the Institute of Home Affairs (IPDN) in Gurabesi, Jayapura, Province Papua, Indonesia, emerged as an extraordinary inspiration.

Even though she received many job offers from Indonesian and foreign companies after completing her Human Resources education at Marshall University in the United States with a Master’s scholarship from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP), Maria returned to Papua. Because she was determined to empower her hometown, Maria now serves as Village Head in Gurabesi, on the northern coast of Jayapura. However, his journey to success cannot be separated from his low-income family background.

As the youngest of eight children, Maria is persistent in pursuing higher education to improve her family’s economic conditions and, at the same time, develop her native village.

“If I don’t witness and feel the developments and changes happening in Papua, I can’t help to change them. So I have to feel every detail happening,” said Maria, emphasizing her commitment to participate in positive transformation in her region.

Previously, Maria had accumulated experience as village head staff and secretary. However, her calling brought Maria back to Gurabesi, where she is now a reliable local leader.

His decision to become Village Head did not stop at administrative management; it also involved him directly in efforts to develop the local community.

Not only focused on her duties as Village Head, Maria Jochu still has high ambitions. She dreams of establishing a foundation that focuses on empowering Papuan women. It is hoped that the foundation will be able to provide training and support so that women in Papua can become more independent, empowered, and able to compete in various sectors.

Maria Jochu’s decision to return and make a real contribution to her community reflects the spirit of change needed in remote areas. His success story has inspired young Papuan men and women to be oriented towards personal careers and develop their region.

Maria Jochu, with a higher educational background and extensive experience, shows that development does not always have to come from outside but that regional youth with a strong commitment to change also emerge.

Maria’s enthusiasm inspires every individual, regardless of background, to be an agent of positive change for their community.