JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has confirmed its readiness to support the Sekolah Rakyat program initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs. A 10-hectare plot of land has been prepared in Maribu Village, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, as the site for building the boarding school.

Yohanes Walilo, Assistant I to the Papua Regional Secretary, stated that all funding for the construction and operation of the Sekolah Rakyat will be covered by the central government. Therefore, the regional government's role is crucial, especially in providing the land.

“For Papua Province, we sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Social Affairs back in April and received a response. A plot of around 12.5 hectares in Maribu Village has been prepared, and based on central government directives, 10 hectares have been allocated,” Yohanes explained.

The land is owned by the government and was previously intended as the site for an IPDN (Institute of Public Administration) campus. However, since that plan did not materialize, the land has now been repurposed for the Sekolah Rakyat program.

“There are no issues with the location as it is already certified and still under government control,” he added.

The Sekolah Rakyat is specifically designed for children from underprivileged families. This program will offer free, boarding-based education from elementary through high school levels.

Upon graduation, it is hoped that students will continue to university and later return to support their families.

“Children who cannot attend school due to financial constraints will be enrolled here. We hope, when they finish their education, they might even pursue university degrees,” said Yohanes. ***