
Bridging the Gap: President Prabowo’s Education Initiative in Papua
04 February, 2025Share:
Bridging the Gap: President Prabowo’s Education Initiative in Papua

The state of education in Papua is a pressing concern for the Indonesian government, civil society, and NGOs. President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s newly elected leader, is prioritizing education policies designed to address the unique challenges faced by this remote region.
Despite Indonesia’s 62 years of independence, Papua continues to lag significantly behind in educational development. Limited infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and difficult access to schools create substantial barriers to education for Papuan children. This disparity highlights decades of educational inequality between Papua and other regions of Indonesia.
President Prabowo’s campaign and policy agenda emphasize the importance of equitable education across Indonesia, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Papua. This focus aims to cultivate a globally competitive workforce and improve the quality of human resources.
The educational challenges are particularly acute in Papua’s interior, where geographical isolation, limited transportation, and inadequate educational facilities pose significant obstacles. These areas, largely inhabited by indigenous Papuan communities, rely heavily on government support for progress.
To address these challenges, President Prabowo’s administration is implementing several key strategies:
- Enhancing Educational Infrastructure: This includes constructing new schools, renovating existing ones, and improving transportation access to ensure children can reach educational facilities.
- Empowering Local Teachers: The government is actively recruiting and training indigenous Papuan teachers. This initiative ensures the sustainability of education while incorporating local cultural perspectives.
- Developing Culturally Relevant Curricula: Integrating Papuan cultural values into the curriculum fosters a more relevant and engaging learning experience for students.
- Expanding Scholarship and Aid Programs: Financial barriers to education are being addressed through scholarships and educational assistance programs, enabling Papuan children to pursue their studies without financial constraints.
The successful implementation of these policies hinges on collaboration between the central and regional governments, indigenous community leaders, and local organizations. The government is committed to establishing a strong presence in the Papuan interior to understand the needs of the communities and forge partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Closing the educational gap in Papua is a formidable challenge. However, with focused policies and effective implementation, significant progress can be achieved. President Prabowo has prioritized Papuan education, aiming to ensure that every Papuan child has access to quality learning opportunities. Through inclusive and locally relevant education, Papua can embrace a brighter future and contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s national development.