Mimika, Central Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited an education complex in Mimika, Central Papua, on Tuesday, highlighting deficiencies in classroom lighting and facilities.

He visited elementary, middle, and high schools within the complex, which serves 1,031 students, and interacted with teachers and pupils.

"It's very dark in this classroom. Is the electricity off?" he asked while entering a mathematics class.

He later noticed that only one light bulb was functioning, leaving the room dim despite open windows.

During the visit, he also reviewed several facilities, including science and informatics laboratories.

While inspecting the informatics lab, he highlighted the learning materials given to 10th-grade students, particularly related to Microsoft Excel formulas.

"They have not been taught formulas yet? They are still inputting numbers manually without formulas? When will it be taught?" he asked.

Nurhayati, an informatics teacher, said the material would be taught in the 11th grade.

The vice president also inspected the student dormitories and again pointed to poor lighting conditions.

"The maintenance seems lacking," he said.

Middle school principal Anton Rante said the education center provides dormitories for students from remote areas to ensure access to education.

"We prioritize children from coastal areas or villages who have no relatives here, so they can stay in the dormitory," he said.

A middle school student, Nikolausma Payau, said he felt comfortable living in the dormitory.

"I feel very comfortable in the dormitory, and we are guided like by our own parents," he said.

Elementary school principal Syamsiah Muksin said the school is intended for children from Mimika’s indigenous communities.

The visit was also attended by several officials, including Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk, Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, and Mimika Deputy District Head Emanuel Kemong.

Related news: Vice President calls Nabire Port as strategic regional economic hub
Related news: VP Gibran discusses AI, welfare support for madrasa teachers


Translator: Mentari Dwi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2026