Jayapura, July 4, 2025 – In a bold declaration during his working visit to Cenderawasih University, Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and Technology Brian Yuliarto positioned Papua as the nation’s next hub for educational innovation. The Thursday (3/7) visit signals Jakarta’s commitment to developing Indonesia’s easternmost region through human capital investment.
“This isn’t routine bureaucracy – it’s personal conviction. Papua’s untiring spirit will fuel Indonesia’s next developmental leap,” Minister Yuliarto stated during a Friday (4/7) virtual press briefing from Jakarta.
Three-Pillar Strategy for Eastern Indonesia
The Ministry unveiled a comprehensive roadmap:
Academic Revolution – Transforming Papuan universities into innovation centers addressing local challenges like sustainable agriculture and marine conservation.
Equitable Access – Expanding the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) scholarship and ADIK affirmative program for indigenous Papuans and students with disabilities.
National Integration – The Nusantara Student Dormitory (AMN) program reserves 40% slots for Papuan students in Surabaya and Manado, fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Breaking Barriers
The Ministry is drafting guidelines for campus Disability Service Units while scaling up affirmative scholarships. “Geographical challenges won’t deter us. Every Papuan child deserves world-class education,” the Minister emphasized.
Cenderawasih University’s Rector reported tangible progress: “AMN and KIP initiatives have boosted Papuan higher education enrollment by 25% since 2023.”
By the Numbers:
1,200+ Papuan students awarded KIP scholarships in 2025
5 new AMN campuses planned for 2026
ADIK scholarships now include living allowances for disabled scholars
Once perceived as Indonesia’s underdeveloped periphery, Papua is emerging as a living laboratory for inclusive education models applicable across the Global South.
