Manokwari, Jubi – Chair of Committee III of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from the West Papua electoral district, Filep Wamafma, is providing educational assistance funds to elementary, junior high, and senior high school students in Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua.

Wamafma said the educational assistance, distributed through the government’s Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), would be given to students as a gift to mark the 23rd anniversary of Teluk Bintuni Regency on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

“On the occasion of Teluk Bintuni Regency’s anniversary, we are providing educational scholarships (education assistance grants) for Bintuni children from elementary to senior high school levels through a proposal submitted by DPD RI. This is our anniversary gift. I hope the hundreds of students receiving this assistance will use it wisely to support their educational needs,” Wamafma said on Monday.

The Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) is a government cash assistance scheme aimed at students from poor and vulnerable families to help cover educational expenses.

The program was launched to prevent school dropouts and support students in completing their education through the secondary level.

The assistance targets students enrolled in elementary schools, special elementary schools, and Package A programs; junior high schools, special junior high schools, and Package B programs; as well as senior high schools, vocational high schools, special senior high schools, and Package C programs.

The amount of assistance varies according to the level of education. Elementary school students receive Rp450,000 per year, while new students and those in their final year receive Rp225,000. Junior high school students receive Rp750,000 annually, with new and final-year students receiving Rp375,000.

Senior high school and vocational high school students receive Rp1.8 million per year, while new and final-year students receive Rp500,000. PIP funds are transferred directly into students’ SimPel (Student Savings) bank accounts.

Wamafma expressed hope that the funds would be used to purchase books, uniforms, and shoes for schoolchildren in the regency.

“Students can use the funds to buy books and stationery, uniforms, bags, and shoes. They can also use it for transportation to and from school and for pocket money. If managed properly, any remaining funds can be used for tutoring or other educational activities that support their learning,” he said.

The PIP assistance proposed by Wamafma this year covers approximately 16 districts in Teluk Bintuni Regency, including Fafuwar, Babo, Sumuri, Aroba, Kaitaro, Kuri, Bintuni, Manimeri, Dataran Beimes, Tembuni, Kamundan, South Moskona, West Moskona, Merdey, Mesyeta, and North Moskona districts.

The distribution of PIP assistance is based on the 2026 PIP Grant Decree, using education data from the Basic Education Data System (Dapodik) as of January 31, 2026.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the disbursement process for PIP funds can begin on June 9, 2026. Funds may be withdrawn directly by students, parents, or guardians in accordance with the procedures established by the designated designated banks. (*)