Education is key to enhancing the quality and competence of human resources for young Papuans. They are expected to become future leaders who can improve the welfare of the Cenderawasih Land.
Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, and the Papuan Regional Board of Kagama (Gadjah Mada Alumni Family) have agreed to increase access for young Papuans to pursue higher education at UGM.
“We encourage more talents from Papua to be sent to study at UGM through special programs,” Professor Emilia said at an alumni gathering in Yasbeer Cafe and Resto in Jayapura City on Wednesday (Jul. 23) evening.
According to Professor Emilia, opening this special pathway is a form of effort to improve educational equity in nation-building through the development of human resources.
“I believe this is our win-win solution for building the nation,” Professor Emilia explained.
Professor Emilia also stated that she had met with the Acting Governor of Papua to encourage Papua’s progress by providing access to higher education.
“Earlier, I met the acting governor, and efforts are being made to provide scholarship opportunities, as long as the prospective students are candidates who want to learn and, after graduating, intend to develop Papua,” Professor Emilia revealed.
On that occasion, Professor Emilia also advised alumni to continue contributing to regional progress by collaborating with fellow alumni who are members of Kagama.
“So, don’t hesitate. We are always open to good proposals for our own nation,” Professor Emilia said.
UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, stated that UGM cannot advance and work alone. Instead, it needs support from alumni.
“Let us collaborate and maintain commitment so that Papua becomes richer and more advanced, and by working together,” Dr. Sujito said.
Christian Shoilait, a Kagama Papua official, admitted that currently, very few young people or employees from Papua have the opportunity to pursue education at UGM. This is due to new regulations issued by the government.
“Currently, Papua sends very few human resources to UGM. The former Governor asked for our input on sending children to study at UGM. Quite a large number were sent; in essence, there was a special quota, including many doctors who graduated,” Shoilait said.
He hopes that this meeting with UGM leaders will further encourage Kagama to continue maintaining togetherness and contributing to Papua’s progress.
Additionally, he hopes more alumni will join the Kagama organization.
“Hopefully, after this meeting, we, the Kagama members, might become a bit more ‘lively’ because there are still many alumni in Papua who have not involved themselves in Kagama. In my cohort alone, there are 48 people, all still alive (healthy),” Shoilait said with a smile.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto Adi