Minister highlights equal education rights for children nationwide
“We cannot afford to leave even one Indonesian child without access to education due to economic barriers, intellectual capacity, physical limitations, or geographical remoteness,” he said in a statement received in Sorong, Southwest Papua, on Thursday.
During a visit to Arar Island in Sorong District, Mu’ti said his ministry is prioritizing this year’s school revitalization program for facilities affected by disasters as well as schools located in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
He added that the government’s education reform agenda goes beyond physical infrastructure development and also focuses on innovative educational service models to ensure equitable access for communities in 3T areas.
“We continue to strengthen five educational service models comprising distance learning, integrated schools, community-based open schools, equivalency education, and course and training programs,” the minister stated.
According to Mu’ti, these models are designed to accommodate geographical conditions and meet the actual needs of local communities.
He also called on all elements of society to align efforts toward preparing a high-quality generation for Indonesia’s centennial year in 2045.
“We share the same determination to advance education across the country. Let us work together so our children can grow into Indonesia’s golden generation by 2045,” he said.
During the visit, the minister also inaugurated several renovated educational facilities.
Head of the Southwest Papua Education and Culture Office Adolof Kambuaya described the minister’s visit to Arar Island as a historic moment.
“This is the first time a minister has set foot on Arar Island,” he said.
Kambuaya noted that Southwest Papua has around 160,000 students and 10,000 teachers, with more than 1,200 schools spread across over 900 villages.
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Translator: Yuvensius Lasa, Tegar Nurfitra