Teachers are the main actors for the development and progress of a nation. This is delivered by the Rector, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., in the launch of prospective teachers to Intan Jaya regency, Papua, through The Remote Area Teacher Activator movement, Tuesday (30/12). The program is organized with collaboration with the District Government of Intan Jaya, Papua Working Group of UGM and the Center for Capacity Development of UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences.
In its third implementation, as many as 397 people from all over Indonesia signed up to participate in this program. Applicants who have qualified administration then follow the selection process held in Yogyakarta, Medan, Manado, Makassar, Timika and Jayapura last November. Finally 43 people were chosen and they will be assigned in the District of Intan Jaya to teach a variety of subjects at Early Childhood Education Levels to High School.
Chairman of the Papua Working Group, Drs. Bambang Purwoko MA, appreciated the spirit of the applicants to become teachers in Papua. “Some 43 teachers who are qualified are not just experts on the material and teaching methods, but also are highly motivated and passionate to serve and educate the nation, especially the people of Papua,” he explained.
In his speech, Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Erwan Agus Purwanto, M.Sc., said that teachers have the opportunity to give a great influence on the younger generation of Papua. “They will be brothers and sisters who will open the door for those who have been living in a secluded area until they can go places and become somebody,” he said.
Some 20 out of 43 teachers are already in Nabire, while the other 23 will be sent after the release event. Through this program, they will serve as teachers in Papua for 2 years.