Jayapura, Papua – The Central Papua provincial government is actively pursuing the establishment of its first public university, a move designed to substantially improve access to higher education for local residents. The initiative aims to address educational disparities and foster regional progress thru increased opportunities for academic advancement.

Governor Meki Fritz Nawipa emphasized the project’s importance, stating that the university will serve as a vital center for knowledge and cultural preservation, deeply rooted in local wisdom. “This is a firm commitment,” Governor nawipa affirmed. “The development of a public university in Central Papua will be founded on the values inherent to our local traditions.”

A key objective of the university is to provide affordable higher education options, notably for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The creation of the province itself underscored the need for localized educational resources, allowing residents to pursue degrees without the financial burden and logistical challenges of traveling to other regions.

Nurhaidah, acting head of the Central Papua Education and Culture Office, highlighted the university’s alignment with the provincial government’s broader vision for progress. “Central Papua’s formation was driven by a desire to bring public services closer to the peopel, and this university is a direct result of that commitment,” she explained.

A seminar and workshop held in Nabire on July 30, 2024, brought together stakeholders to develop a extensive master plan for the university.The resulting document will serve as the blueprint for higher education development within the province, outlining academic programs, infrastructure needs, and long-term sustainability strategies.

This development builds upon recent investments in education across Papua and surrounding regions. southwest Papua is concurrently accelerating the construction of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) in six regions, while Eastern Indonesia has received Rp1.8 trillion in research funding. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education is actively implementing recommendations from existing higher education institutions in Papua to enhance the quality of education province-wide.