Sahuleka remarked here on Thursday that Papuan varsities are eyeing to be at par with universities in western Indonesia.
"We also want to 'sit as low and stand as high' as the universities there, so that we can catch up in all sectors of science," Sahuleka affirmed.
According to the vice rector, Papuan universities should be given as many opportunities as possible to strengthen their human resources.
He noted that the central government, cross-sectoral ministries, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can help provide opportunities for the Papuan education sector.
"As long as (the central government) gives us the opportunity, and the universities here seize the opportunities as best as possible, we will be (on) equal (footing) with universities across the country," he affirmed.
He emphasized that Papua is an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), so it should not be forgotten, but instead, empowered through opportunities.
"Universities and colleges in Papua are in the eastern part of Indonesia, so let us give us the greatest opportunities," he stated.
He explained that universities in Papua were seeking the same level of government attention given to universities in other parts of the country.
"Papuan students have the same human resource skills as their counterparts out there, so give them the opportunities to progress and develop like students in western Indonesia," he stressed.
Papua still reels from a shortage of primary education teachers and teacher absenteeism in remote areas.
Meanwhile, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stated that one of the government's national priority programs is to build superior human resources through education. The government is keen to further develop the provinces of Papua and West Papua through education.
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Translator: Yudhi E, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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