JAYAPURA – Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, held a meeting with the Indonesian Association of Private Universities (APTISI). The event took place at Horison Kotaraja Hotel, Jayapura, Papua, on Thursday (July 10, 2025).

Fatoni expressed his commitment to continually building and serving the people of Papua in the most optimal manner. During the meeting with the academic community, he also shared his career journey, which has been closely tied to the education sector.

“I was once registered as a lecturer and have had an NIDN (National Lecturer Identification Number) since 2012. At that time, I was actively working for a foundation. Now I hold an NIDK (Special Lecturer Identification Number). However, due to my busy schedule, I haven’t been very active. But if I had continued back then, I might already be a professor now,” said Fatoni.

Fatoni currently serves as the Director General of Regional Financial Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, since Monday (July 7), he has once again been entrusted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, to serve as Acting Governor of Papua. This assignment marks the fourth time he has been appointed as an Acting Governor, following previous roles in North Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and North Sumatra.

“I started handling Papua-related matters as early as 2008. I even served as Head of the Special Autonomy Section for Papua and West Papua. Papua already feels like home to me. Now, I truly am a resident of Papua. When I go to Jakarta, I say, ‘I’m going home to Papua,” Fatoni shared.

In his speech, Fatoni emphasized the importance of synergy between regional governments and educational institutions in budget management, particularly in the education sector. He explained that budgeting principles are based on authority, such as primary and secondary education being managed by regencies/cities, while special education (schools for children with special needs) falls under the provincial government’s responsibility.

Fatoni also encouraged university administrators to build good relations with local governments to access funding through various schemes. These include grants, financial aid, scholarship programs, and collaborations with regional or state-owned enterprises through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

“These formulas are important so that we all understand how budget allocations are made. Regional governments can provide scholarships to local students, as long as they meet administrative requirements, such as having a local ID card,” he explained.

Finally, Fatoni invited all stakeholders to support each other and remain open to discussions whenever needed, whether he is in Papua or in Jakarta. ***