Jayapura, Jubi – The Central Papua Provincial Government has allocated Rp77.84 billion to fund a free education program in the 2026 fiscal year.

Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa said the program reflects the provincial government’s commitment to improving the quality of education across the province.

Nawipa made the remarks while opening the 2026 Central Papua Senior High School and Vocational School Students’ Cultural Creativity Light Festival at the Old Nabire Airport Field in Nabire Regency on Wednesday afternoon (June 24, 2026).

According to Nawipa, Central Papua has become the first province in Papua to implement a free education program, demonstrating the regional government’s commitment to improving the quality of human resources.

“In the 2026 fiscal year, the Central Papua Provincial Government will provide free education for 58,920 students enrolled in junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational schools, special-needs schools, and boarding schools. We have allocated Rp77.84 billion to realize free education in Central Papua,” Nawipa said.

The governor urged students to make the most of the opportunity and not allow financial constraints to become a reason for dropping out of school.

“There is no longer any reason not to attend school. The government is present and has provided equal opportunities for all children in Central Papua to receive a proper education,” he said.

Nawipa stated that the success of regional development is largely determined by the quality of education and the character of the younger generation.

“You do not have to be the smartest person, but you should strive to be honest, have integrity, and possess good character. Those qualities will lead you toward a successful future,” he said.

The governor added that the Central Papua Provincial Government is also continuing efforts to improve teachers’ welfare through certification programs.

The provincial government has facilitated certification for 8,001 teachers. This year, it has prepared certification programs for an additional 1,000 teachers, followed by another 1,000 teachers in 2027.

He said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to improving the welfare of educators so they can focus more effectively on teaching and nurturing future generations.

“Over the next few years, nearly 3,000 additional teachers will receive certification. The free education program and efforts to improve teachers’ welfare are part of the Central Papua Provincial Government’s strategy to develop high-quality, competitive human resources capable of driving regional development in the future,” Nawipa said. (*)