Minister of Basic and Secondary Education: Integrated schools to expand education access in Bintuni

Manokwari - Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, said the construction of integrated schools in Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua, is a government effort to expand equitable and quality education access.

“This integrated school initiative is part of expanding equitable and quality education access, particularly in Papua,” Abdul said in a press release received in Manokwari on Saturday.

The land area for the YPPK Santo Fransiskus Manimeri integrated school spans eight hectares and serves as a unified education complex covering primary (SD), junior high (SMP), and senior high school (SMA) levels.

“It will be equipped with boarding facilities and other support services to reach students from remote districts and areas with limited transport access,” he said.

According to the Minister, integrated schools focus not only on physical infrastructure but also on enhancing human capital through education that produces competitive youth while preserving local cultural values.

Integrated schools combine multiple education levels in one area to improve access and service quality, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.

“Students will become a competitive generation without forgetting local wisdom,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Pius Matomri, Chairman of the Catholic Education and School Foundation (YPPK) Teluk Bintuni, stated that his organisation has prepared land to support the development of the integrated education area.

Strengthened synergy and collaboration between the central government, local authorities, and foundations are expected to accelerate the construction of schools serving students across Teluk Bintuni Regency.

“The construction of senior high school (SMA) will receive support from the Teluk Bintuni Regency government, while primary (SD) and junior high (SMP) schools are hoped to receive central government backing,” Pius said.