Central Papua allocates Rp77.8 bln for free education

Nabire (ANTARA) - Central Papua Provincial Government has allocated Rp77.8 billion (around US$4.3 million) to fund a free education programme in 2026.

Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa said the programme reflects the regional government's commitment to improving access for education while reducing school dropout rates caused by economic constraints.

"This year, we are funding 58,920 junior high school, senior high school, vocational high school, special school students, and school dormitories in Central Papua with a budget of Rp77.8 billion," Nawipa said while opening the 2026 Student Cultural Creativity Light Festival in Nabire on Wednesday.

Nawipa said Central Papua has become the first province in Papua region to allocate a large-scale free education budget to reach students across the province.

With the programme in place, he added, there should no longer be any reason for children to be unable to attend school due to education costs.

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In addition to financing free education, the Central Papua Provincial Government is also seeking to improve the quality of education through strengthening teachers' capacity and welfare.

Nawipa explained that in 2025, the provincial government facilitated certification for 801 teachers. Then, in 2026, the government is again targeting 1,000 teachers to obtain certification with the same number to be funded in 2027.

"Within three years, we are financing certification for nearly 3,000 teachers. We are also providing additional incentives for teachers," he remarked.

He expressed hope that all programmes prepared by the government would be utilised optimally by students, teachers, and beneficiary schools.

"We want all children in Central Papua to be not only intelligent, but also to possess honesty, integrity, and the spirit to keep moving forward," Nawipa noted.

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Translator: Ali, Kenzu

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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