The Provincial Government of Papua this year again sent the best students to various universities in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia. 

In early January 2021, 7 Papuan Indigenous students were sent to the United States. They were accepted to three of the best universities in America namely Michigan State University, Western Michigan University and Louisiana State University.

"They have been trained and accompanied by us. Their grades are very good and ready to undergo education in the United States," said Director of the Academy of Jakarta International College (JIC), Fransica Laij, on the sidelines of the Scholarship Management Training for Civil Servants, Human Resources Development Agency of Papua (BPSDM), at Morissey Hotel, Jakarta.

The seven students are namely; Jessica Rumfaker, Michael Saroge, Paleria Waibusi, Raffaela Wanimbo, Ronaldo Krey, Steve Fonataba and Yulandia Jufuway. They are accepted to all three universities because they have high academic scores and good English language skills, mentally.

"Our children are accepted to all three of America's best universities with tremendous potential. We are very proud that the field of study they chose is very beneficial for Papua in the future. One of them took a special field of study for Petroleum Engineering," he said proudly.

He projected in the future, Papua to be one of the provinces in the country that will have the best Human Resources (HR). It is the background of the potential of Papuan children in the mastery of science and technology is very high.

"I am optimistic that in the future Papua will have qualified human resources because education and human resources development are priorities. 10 to 20 years, our children will master science and technology. I'm sure of that," said Fransica, who is also an American graduate.

"We should give appreciation to the Papua Provincial Government because even in the pandemic, education programs and human resources development are still running. The Governor and Deputy Governor of Papua are extraordinary," he said.

Meanwhile, JIC Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, Patricia Rubena added that in addition to the 7 students, this year there are 38 students who will be sent to America. They were divided into two periods in April as many as 23 people and 15 people in August.

Patricia said that the Papuan students who are built by JIC are the best Papuan children and get the opportunity to study at various famous colleges in America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

"Students who are trained in JIC are tailored to the needs of the Papua Provincial Government with the main conditions of having good academic, mental and language skills. They are given the opportunity to choose the 3 best universities to study at various universities in the world," Patty said.

Previously, Acting Regional Secretary of Papua Province, Doren Wakerkwa, SH said as many as 47 Papuan indigenous students scheduled for early 2021 were sent to America to study at various universities there.

The 47 Papuan indigenous students consist of 45 students for undergraduate and 2 for master's programs. "They are participants of the Affirmation Scholarship Program of Papuan Superior Students who are prepared to take Bachelor's education abroad and have been studying online until Semester III," explained Doren accompanied by the Head of Human Resources Development Agency of Papua, Aryoko AF, SP. M.Eng.