The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, stated that the construction of an integrated school in Teluk Bintuni Regency is part of the government’s efforts to expand equitable and quality access to education for the people of Papua.
This program is one of the government’s strategic steps to promote the revitalization and development of educational facilities so that Papuan children have learning opportunities equal to those of students in other regions of Indonesia.
The YPPK Santo Fransiskus Manimeri Integrated School is planned to be built on a site spanning approximately eight hectares and will combine elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels within a single integrated educational complex.
In addition to classrooms, the complex will also be equipped with dormitory facilities and other supporting amenities to assist students from remote areas or regions with limited transportation access.
According to Abdul Mu'ti, the concept of an integrated school is not only focused on the development of educational infrastructure but is also aimed at improving the quality of human resources through better and sustainable educational services.
The government hopes that these facilities will produce a young generation of Papuans who are highly competitive at both the national and global levels, while also preserving the cultural values and local wisdom that define the identity of the Papuan people.
Meanwhile, Pius Matomri, Chair of the YPPK Teluk Bintuni Regional School Board, stated that the foundation has provided land as a form of support for the construction of this integrated educational complex.
He hopes that collaboration between the central government, local government, and the foundation will accelerate the construction process so that these educational facilities can soon be utilized by the community.
The existence of this integrated school is also expected to reach more students from various areas in Teluk Bintuni who have long faced geographical challenges in accessing education.
Overall, this program is viewed as an important step toward improving educational equity, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening the quality of education and human resources in Papua.