Jayapura, January 12, 2025 – Prominent Papua activist and education advocate, Arius Mofu, emphasized that the education of children in Papua requires urgent attention from both the local and national government to ensure equal access and quality. In a public discussion held in Jayapura, Mofu expressed his concerns over the persistent educational inequalities in Papua, particularly in remote areas.
According to Mofu, while the government has made efforts to improve educational infrastructure in some parts of Papua, many schools still lack basic facilities such as proper classrooms and access to technology. “In many areas of Papua, children have to travel long distances to attend school, and some schools still operate in makeshift buildings,” Mofu said.
Mofu also pointed out that the current education system does not fully address the local needs, as it often fails to incorporate the region’s social and cultural context. “Education in Papua should include knowledge that is relevant to the local community’s way of life and introduce children to local wisdom from an early age,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mofu called on the government to offer better support to teachers in Papua by providing more training and improving their welfare. “Teachers in Papua play a crucial role, yet they often face significant challenges, from limited facilities to geographical isolation,” Mofu noted.
He also proposed expanding scholarship programs and enhancing technology-based education facilities in remote areas. “Education is a right for all Papua’s children, and they should be given equal opportunities to pursue their dreams,” Mofu added.
Through this statement, Mofu hopes to urge the government to focus more on addressing educational challenges in Papua, ensuring that the next generation can grow with the knowledge and opportunities to compete on a global scale.
