Papua – A heartfelt atmosphere filled the departure hall as 115 students from Papua were officially sent off to pursue their senior high school (SMA) and vocational school (SMK) education outside the region through the 2025 Afirmasi Pendidikan Menengah (ADEM) Scholarship Program. The send-off ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and was attended by representatives from the Education Office, parents, and local community leaders.
The ADEM Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), aimed at providing quality secondary education access to students from disadvantaged, remote, and outermost areas (3T regions), including Papua. Through this program, students receive full support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and basic living needs throughout their studies.
The 115 selected students came from various districts across Papua and were chosen through a competitive selection process based on academic achievement and socioeconomic background. They are being placed in several regions across Java and other provinces, where educational facilities and learning standards are considered more advanced.
According to the Head of the Papua Provincial Education Office, the program is not only a gateway for students to access better education but also a strategic effort to raise Papua’s Human Development Index (HDI), which remains below the national average. “We hope these children will return one day to build their homeland with the knowledge and experience they gain,” he said in his remarks.
Though parting was emotional for parents, the students expressed strong determination and hope. One student shared their pride and commitment to study hard and bring honor to their family and community.
This program is expected to be a long-term investment in developing a competitive and empowered young generation of Papua. The government sees it as a concrete step toward reducing educational inequality and increasing opportunities for future leaders from the region.
Going forward, the Ministry of Education and local governments plan to expand the ADEM Program’s reach and enhance mentoring and monitoring mechanisms to ensure students successfully adapt and thrive in their new educational environments.
