MIMIKA, INDONESIA — A renewed commitment to advancing education for underprivileged communities in Papua has been voiced by the Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) of Mimika. Herman Gafur, Chairman of Commission III, declared full support for the establishment of Sekolah Rakyat or People’s School—an inclusive education initiative aimed at children from low-income families.
“Sekolah Rakyat is the answer to one of our biggest challenges: how to provide quality education that is accessible to all, regardless of economic background,” Gafur said during a meeting with Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, led by Regional Head of the Jayapura Social Services Office, John H. Mampioper, on Wednesday (June 25, 2025).
This initiative forms part of Indonesia’s national strategy to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance human capital—key priorities under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s vision for a Golden Indonesia by 2045.
Education for Every Papuan Child
Gafur emphasized that the People’s School must be taken seriously, as it provides access to basic and vocational education for disadvantaged children in remote areas. However, Mimika has yet to be included in the first phase of the program.
“This is a wake-up call for us. Preparations for the second phase must be accelerated, especially in finalizing administrative requirements and proposal submissions. We cannot afford to fall behind,” he stressed.
The Mimika DPRK is committed to supporting the fast-tracking of this initiative to ensure equal learning opportunities for all children in the region.
Infrastructure and Data-Driven Inclusion
John H. Mampioper highlighted that Sekolah Rakyat reflects a concrete step by the government to build an educational system that prioritizes marginalized communities. With a certified 10-hectare plot of land already secured by the Mimika local government, the program is well-positioned for implementation.
“Student enrollment will be based on a unified socio-economic database to ensure that the program reaches those who need it most,” he explained.
Mampioper called for stronger collaboration between the central government, local authorities, and regional legislators to expedite the program’s rollout in Papua, particularly in Mimika.
Toward a Smarter and More Independent Papua
The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the collective effort to strengthen education in eastern Indonesia. Through Sekolah Rakyat, Mimika has a unique opportunity to nurture a new generation of Papuan youth—educated, skilled, and ready to contribute to the nation’s future.
“Education is not just a ladder to the future; it is a bridge out of poverty. That’s why we must ensure People’s Schools stand as a testament to the state’s presence and care for its most vulnerable citizens,” Gafur concluded.
