DPD RI highlights effectiveness of education budget in Papua
Manokwari Selatan - The Chairman of Committee III of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Filep Wamafma, has requested all local governments in West Papua Province to improve the quality of planning data regarding educational needs across all levels, from primary to upper secondary education. According to Filep, this step is crucial to ensure that every stage of planning and budget allocation for the education sector can be carried out effectively to address ongoing issues.
“We are still discussing budget shortages, but we have not yet addressed how the existing funds are being utilised to their maximum potential,” said Filep in Manokwari Selatan on Monday. He noted that educational issues in Papua are not solely related to budget constraints but also involve the effectiveness of utilising Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to ensure they reach the intended targets.
Therefore, he stated, the success of development in the education sector must be supported by the availability of valid data regarding the real needs of schools, teaching staff, and students at every educational level. “Compared to the period before Otsus and the present day, there has been no significant change, particularly regarding affirmative action for indigenous Papuan students,” he added.
On this occasion, Filep also distributed aid in the form of 215 batik uniforms for students and teachers of the SD Yayasan Pendidikan Kristen (YPK) 12 Ora Et Labora in Waroser Village, Oransbari District, Manokwari Selatan. The assistance was provided after the school expressed its needs during the YPK anniversary celebrations on 8 March 2026, noting that approximately 209 students still lacked batik uniforms for school use. “As a YPK alumnus, I felt called to help provide school uniforms for the younger students here,” said Filep. The Head of SD YPK 12 Ora Et Labora, Magdalena Selfiana Betay, expressed her appreciation for the aid, noting that it would support student morale and help meet essential school requirements.