Nabire – Thousands of residents from three regencies in Central Papua have expressed their support for the free education program launched by the Central Papua provincial government. In an official letter, they expressed their gratitude to the Governor of Central Papua, Meki Nawipa, and Deputy Governor Deinas Geley, for their appreciation of the policy, which they believe has eased the economic burden on families and opened up the future for Papua’s young generation.
The appreciation from the residents of Puncak and Puncak Jaya regencies, spread across three regions: Puncak, Puncak Jaya, and Nabire, was conveyed in a statement letter numbered 01/6/2026 addressed to the Governor of Central Papua, Meki Nawipa, SH, and Deputy Governor of Central Papua, Deinas Geley, S.Sos, M.Si. The letter was signed by a community representative, Yeri Murib.
In the letter, the community believes the policy of freeing education fees from junior high school, senior high school, and vocational high school (SMA/SMK) to university is a strategic step that offers new hope for the young generation of Central Papua.
Yeri Murib stated that many parents have struggled to finance their children’s education. Limited economic conditions often force families to seek various means to cover school expenses, including selling assets or family businesses.
“This program is a great hope for the community because it opens up broader opportunities for Papuan children to receive education without the burden of costs,” said Murib, Thursday (June 26, 2026).
According to him, since the policy was announced, the community’s enthusiasm for sending their children to school has increased. In several areas, such as Sinak, Ilaga, Mulia, Bina, and Nabire, the enthusiasm of students and parents for education has increased.
Not only does it ease the economic burden on families, but the free education program is also considered to have a positive social impact. Community and religious leaders view the policy as a concrete effort by the government to prepare quality human resources in Central Papua for the future.
The community hopes that through more accessible education, a new generation will emerge capable of becoming leaders, health workers, teachers, and various other professions needed in the region.
As a form of support for the government’s program, the community is committed to ensuring that all school-age children continue to receive a good education. They also pledged to maintain the educational facilities provided by the government and to continue praying for regional leaders to be given strength and wisdom in carrying out their daily duties.
“We believe that education is the path to building a better future for Central Papua. Therefore, we are ready to support and ensure the success of this program,” Yeri Murib wrote in his statement.
The free education program, supported by a budget of IDR 77.851 billion, is one of the priorities of the Central Papua provincial government to improve the quality of human resources and expand access to education for all people, including those living in remote areas.
