JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Communication and Informatics Office has expressed full support for the Papua Provincial Education Office Circular Letter Number 100.4.4/71.DP/I/2026 concerning the Limitation of Mobile Phone Use for students in senior high schools, vocational high schools, junior high schools, special schools, elementary schools, and kindergartens/early childhood education throughout Papua Province. (30/1)

Head of the Papua Provincial Communication and Informatics Office, Jeri Agus Yudianto, emphasized that the policy is a strategic and appropriate step toward creating a more focused, safe, and supportive educational environment for students' growth and development in the digital era.

"This circular is not a rejection of technological progress, but rather an effort to regulate mobile phone use so that it does not disrupt the teaching and learning process and protect children from the negative impacts of the digital space," Jeri said.

According to him, uncontrolled mobile phone use in the school environment has the potential to reduce students' concentration in learning, trigger gadget addiction, and open access to content that is not appropriate for their age. Therefore, the restrictions regulated through the Education Office Circular are seen as a preventive policy oriented toward the best interests of children.

The Head of Papua Communication and Informatics Office added that this restriction policy must be accompanied by stronger digital literacy for students, educators, and parents. Information technology can still be used as an effective learning tool if it is utilized in a directed, controlled, and responsible manner.

"Papua Provincial Communication and Informatics Office is ready to work in synergy with the Education Office and educational institutions through digital literacy programs, healthy internet education, and assistance in the safe and productive use of information technology for students," he added.

The Papua Provincial Government hopes that through the implementation of the circular, the quality of learning can improve, a culture of digital discipline can be built from an early age, and Papua's younger generation can grow into individuals who are intelligent, ethical, and wise in using technology. ***