Jayapura – Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Brian Yuliarto, paid his first official visit to Papua by attending Universitas Cenderawasih (Uncen) in Jayapura City on Thursday (July 3).
During the visit, Minister Brian inaugurated the Integrated Laboratory Building funded by SBSN at Uncen and symbolically handed over the Indonesia Smart Card for Higher Education (KIP Kuliah) to new students admitted through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP). He described the event as a call of the nation to unlock the great potential and talent of young Papuans.
“For me, this is more than just an official visit. It is a commitment from the heart. I believe Papua can become a center of national progress with its unwavering spirit,” said Minister Brian before an audience of over a thousand students, academics, and community leaders who joined the public lecture.
He emphasized that higher education in Papua should serve as a driving force for innovation and as a solution to social and economic challenges. Universities, he noted, must not only produce excellent human resources but also act as hubs of research and accelerators of strategic policies.
Access to higher education in Papua is also being strengthened through various scholarship schemes. In addition to KIP Kuliah, Minister Brian introduced other programs such as the Affirmative Scholarship for Higher Education (ADik) and the Nusantara Student Dormitory Scholarship (AMN), which allocates at least 40% of its quota for Papuan students. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Student Affairs is preparing guidelines to establish disability service units in universities, ensuring equal access for all.
In front of Papua’s Acting Governor Ramses Limbong and several regents, Minister Brian also encouraged local governments to expand access to scholarships by implementing the Regional KIP. He mentioned that several regions had responded positively and expressed hope that Papua would soon adopt the program.
“President Prabowo Subianto’s administration prioritizes education. Higher education is the locomotive that will drive the nation’s progress in the future,” he stressed.
Acting Governor Ramses Limbong welcomed the initiative and expressed hope for continued central government support. “Papua needs cross-sector synergy to become a healthy, smart, and productive region,” he said.
Uncen’s Rector, Dr. Oscar Oswald Wambrauw, also conveyed his gratitude, stating that the Minister’s visit was a major encouragement for Uncen to strengthen its role as a driver of transformation in Eastern Indonesia.
“From Uncen for Papua, from Papua for Indonesia. When Diktisaintek has an impact, Uncen will also bring impact for a smarter, healthier, and more prosperous Papua,” the Rector remarked.
This visit symbolizes a strong synergy between the central government, universities, and local communities in building inclusive higher education and positioning Papua as a starting point for national progress.
