Bappenas Hopes for Establishment of 'Sekolah Unggul Garuda' in Papua Highlands

The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas hopes that the Sekolah Unggul Garuda and Sekolah Rakyat programmes can be established in Papua Highlands to improve the region’s human resources. Deputy for Infrastructure at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Abdul Malik Sadat Idris, stated in Wamena on Tuesday that national programmes including Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), school revitalisation, Sekolah Rakyat, Sekolah Unggul Garuda, and Free Health Checks (CKG) should be promptly proposed and registered for construction in Papua Highlands. “We certainly hope that with the good internet support now available in Papua Highlands, these national programmes under presidential instruction can be successfully implemented. Programmes like MBG, school revitalisation, Sekolah Rakyat, Sekolah Unggul Garuda, CKG, and the digitalisation of education should be proposed and registered immediately so they can be built here to help improve the human resources of the young generation in Papua Highlands,” he said. He added that both provincial and district governments in Papua Highlands must quickly seize these national programmes to accelerate development and welfare for the local community. “Other national programmes, such as Village Cooperatives (Kopdes), should be followed up promptly to help reduce the poverty rate in Papua Highlands. These national programmes must be well received to secure funding support from the central government to the regions,” he stated. He explained that Sekolah Rakyat is a free government boarding school programme under the Ministry of Social Affairs aimed at children from underprivileged families to break the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, Sekolah Unggul Garuda is a top-tier senior high school designed to optimise academic potential in science and technology. “Essentially, Sekolah Rakyat focuses on accessibility and character, while the flagship school focuses on global competitiveness. Both need to be established soon in Papua Highlands so that children here have a better future,” he said. He added that local governments in Papua Highlands must accelerate food self-sufficiency programmes to meet regional and national food needs. “Local governments must also consider food, energy, and water self-sufficiency programmes to accelerate economic growth for the people of Papua Highlands. I previously assisted with irrigation programmes in Yahukimo and Tolikara, and we hope those programmes are still functioning today,” he concluded.