goodmorningpapua.com – A chairman of the MPR RI Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) appreciated the Maga Foundation for Papuan Education which presented the Papua International University. Its presence became the first international higher education institution in Papua, with the motto ‘from Papua, by Papuans, and for the world’.
This is in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Number 24/E/O/2022 concerning the Permit for the Establishment of the Papua International University.
“It is not only an oasis in the midst of the thirst of the young Papuan generation to get access to quality higher education, the presence of the Papua International University is also able to give birth to human resources who are globally competitive, and have a strong commitment to advancing Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. It is also a manifestation of the implementation of the vision and the noble ideals of President Jokowi’s government in advancing and prospering the Papuan people,” said Bamsoet in his statement, Monday (14/2/2022).
At the soft launching event of the Papua International University, Bamsoet explained that President Joko Widodo’s commitment to advance the Papuan people was seen through the increase in the allocation of the Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus), which was originally 2 percent to 2.25 percent of the National General Allocation Fund (DAU) ceiling.
It is known that the National DAU budget in 2022 will reach Rp. 378 trillion, so that the Papua Special Autonomy Fund will reach around Rp. 8.5 trillion. Or an increase of 12.6 percent compared to the 2021 APBN outlook of Rp. 7.6 trillion.
“Of the 2.25 percent of the National DAU fund, 1 percent of which is allocated for the development, maintenance and implementation of public services, improving the welfare of Papuan Indigenous People and strengthening traditional institutions, as well as other matters based on regional needs and priorities in accordance with statutory regulations. While the other 1.25 percent is intended for funding for education, health and community economic empowerment, with a minimum amount of 30 percent for education spending and 20 percent for health spending, “explained Bamsoet.
He assessed that the presence of the Papua International University would also open up job opportunities, especially for Papuan youths who have completed higher education to devote themselves as teachers and share knowledge with other young Papuan generations. At the same time, it is helping the government to reduce the cost of studying abroad, because it can be transferred to study at the Papua International University.
“Given that the learning method at the Papua International University has been adapted to international higher education qualifications, among others, through the application of an international standard TKBEL education platform application, and through a partnership system that is forged with various universities abroad. So that student’s study for two years at the University International Papua. Followed by two years of education at other foreign universities, “explained Bamsoet.
Bamsoet emphasized that the opportunity for the first 2 years of studying in the country must be utilized as well as possible to establish a strong foundation on the values of local wisdom and national insight. So that when continuing their education at partner campuses abroad, Papuan students do not forget their Indonesian cultural identity.
“Through the Papua International University, it is hoped that a young generation of the nation will be born who are not only competent and skilled academically, but also have a strong character, have the spirit of Pancasila and have an Indonesian heart,” explained Bamsoet.
He added that education is an investment in civilization. Referring to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia Article 31 Paragraph (1), the right to obtain education is the right of every citizen, wherever they are and from whatever area they come from, regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, economy and social background. Furthermore, Article 28 C Paragraph (1) explains that everyone has the right to obtain education and benefit from science and technological progress.