90 Southwest Papua Students Join ADEM Program Across 4 Provinces

The Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, stated that 90 indigenous Papuan (OAP) students from six regencies/cities in the province will participate in the Secondary Education Affirmation Programme (ADEM), attending senior high school in four provinces: Bali, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Central Java, and Banten.

“The ADEM Programme is an excellent opportunity for Papuan children to broaden their horizons, build character, and increase their future competitiveness,” he said in Sorong on Saturday.

He explained that the ADEM Programme is one of the government’s efforts to improve the quality of Papuan Human Resources (SDM) through access to education outside the region.

The participants, he continued, must make the most of this opportunity with earnestness, as all educational costs covered by the government represent a national investment to produce a superior Papuan generation.

The Governor also reminded the students to be able to adapt to new environments, respect local cultures, and maintain good communication with foster parents, mentors, and peers during their studies.

He noted that the Southwest Papua Provincial Government is responsible for the recruitment, briefing, preparation, and departure of the ADEM Programme participants. Meanwhile, the educational costs while the students are in their destination provinces are funded by the central government through the State Budget (APBN).

In addition to gaining academic knowledge, he added, participants will also gain life experience, expand their social networks, and build character through interaction with communities from various regions across Indonesia.

The 90 ADEM Programme participants consist of 16 students from Sorong City, 16 from Sorong Regency, 15 from Raja Ampat Regency, 15 from South Sorong Regency, 14 from Tambrauw Regency, and 14 from Maybrat Regency.