Papua, Indonesia – In a heartfelt display of dedication to the future of Papua’s youth, Central Papua Governor Meki Fritz Nawipa visited the Sekolah Generasi Indonesia Jaya Untuk Semua (GenIUS) in Karawaci, Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The visit, conducted amidst his official duties in Jakarta, underscored his commitment to improving educational opportunities for children from Papua.
Governor Nawipa arrived at GenIUS School at approximately 7:40 AM local time and joined a Sunday worship service attended by hundreds of Papuan students. Following the service, he engaged in a warm and lively meeting with the students, sharing his personal journey to inspire and motivate them to pursue their dreams.
“Thirty years ago, I, Meki Nawipa, walked the streets of Jakarta in tattered clothes and without proper shoes. Back then, I relied solely on my faith in Jesus Christ. Today, you have far greater opportunities. You can seek help through WhatsApp, while I had no one to turn to, let alone access to video calls,” Governor Nawipa recounted, reflecting on his struggles while training to become a pilot in Jakarta.
Governor Nawipa emphasized that every child in Papua, whether living in the mountains, hills, coastal areas, or islands, deserves access to quality education. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the education of Papuan children, particularly those from Central Papua.
“Jesus Christ and I, as the first Governor of Central Papua, are ready to support all of you. I want you to succeed and contribute to building Central Papua,” he said, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the students. He also stressed the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success. “No one else can help you but yourselves. If you study diligently, one day you could become a governor like me,” he added.
Furthermore, Governor Nawipa encouraged the students to consider entrepreneurship as a means to harness Central Papua’s abundant natural resources. He pledged to establish vocational training centers (Balai Latihan Kerja or BLK) to equip the region’s youth with skills in agriculture, mining, and fisheries.
“We have gold, vast lands for farming, seas to the north and south, and mountains and forests. Don’t just go to school aimlessly. Learn skills in agriculture, mining, and fisheries so you can return home and develop Central Papua. Don’t let others manage the natural resources that God has given us,” he asserted.
The students at GenIUS School responded with enthusiasm and excitement to Governor Nawipa’s messages. At the end of the meeting, they eagerly took photos and shook hands with their leader, creating a warm and memorable moment.
Meanwhile, Esther Kurniawati Wirawan, Director of GenIUS School, revealed that 188 students from Central Papua are currently enrolled at the school. Of these, 120 are on scholarships provided by the Central Papua Provincial Government, while the remaining students receive scholarships from districts such as Paniai, Dogiyai, and Deiyai.
Governor Nawipa’s visit not only highlighted his dedication to education but also demonstrated his tangible commitment to empowering Papua’s younger generation. With strong support from the local government, these students are expected to become the driving force behind a brighter future for Central Papua.
