Governor of Southwest Papua Elisa Kambu, speaking here on Sunday, said the proposal to establish a state university in Indonesia’s 38th province is important to accommodate the aspirations of residents seeking access to relevant study programs.
“We aim to establish a state university with new study programs not yet available at other campuses,” he explained.
The governor acknowledged that the high public interest in pursuing higher education in Southwest Papua is often hampered by the limited availability of study programs aligned with local welfare development and labor market demands in the region.
The provincial government has prepared a 71-hectare campus site complete with facilities and academic administration systems to support the proposal.
“Although there are already many private universities, the presence of a state university will expand equitable access to higher education for the people of Southwest Papua,” Governor Kambu stated.
On Friday (July 4), the governor formally submitted the region’s proposal to build a state university to Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto during a visit to Sorong.
Minister Yuliarto affirmed his side's commitment to supporting the founding of a state university in Southwest Papua and expressed appreciation for the provincial government's effort to advance education.
“We are determined to ensure that Papuan children have access to quality, inclusive, and relevant higher education,” he said.
He also announced that the ministry would follow up on the proposal by first initiating the off-campus study programs (PSDKU) featuring fields not yet available in the region, such as mining, mineral processing, and metallurgy, in collaboration with top universities in the country.
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Translator: Yuvensius, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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