Minister of Basic and Secondary Education: SMAMCo Manokwari Fosters Ecologically Intelligent Human Resources
Manokwari - Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said the presence of SMA Muhammadiyah Conservation (SMAMCo) Manokwari, West Papua, is expected to produce human resources that are academically intelligent and ecologically conscious to preserve the environment.
SMAMCo Manokwari is the first Muhammadiyah business unit in Indonesia that not only focuses on improving scientific and technological knowledge but also instils environmental care as part of social life.
“Indonesian children must have ecological intelligence amid climate change and global warming challenges,” he said during the inauguration of the new school unit in Manokwari on Thursday.
According to him, the construction of SMAMCo Manokwari demonstrates the commitment of the West Papua Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership to integrate theological vision with national education curriculum, customs, culture, local wisdom, and natural resources in the Cassowary Land.
The ministry will encourage the implementation of educational institutions like SMAMCo Manokwari by regional governments and Muhammadiyah in other areas, especially eastern Indonesia which receives special attention from the central government.
“We immediately approved the proposal for the new SMAMCo unit due to its uniqueness and strengths aligned with local natural wealth and culture,” he said.
He added that global warming and climate change not only negatively impact environmental sustainability and social life but also affect global political dynamics, food security, and international relations.
These issues were the main topics in a meeting between scientists and religious leaders from various countries initiated by the Vatican years ago to discuss strategic steps to address climate change and global warming.
“Schools also bear the responsibility of educating students to become intelligent and nature-loving individuals,” Abdul said.
West Papua Provincial Secretary Ali Baham Temongmere praised Muhammadiyah’s commitment and dedication as one of the largest Islamic organisations collaborating with the regional government to develop quality education.
The existence of SMAMCo Manokwari aligns with the provincial government’s sustainability-focused development programmes across seven regencies in West Papua to ensure natural resource preservation for the future.
“May SMAMCo Manokwari not only excel academically but also produce future generations with strong character and environmental love,” Ali Baham said.
Muhammadiyah West Papua Regional Chairman Mulyadi Djaya explained that SMAMCo Manokwari’s initial operations were conducted in a former university clinic room with 63 students, including non-Muslims and indigenous Papuans.
SMAMCo Manokwari then received government assistance to build 13 new structures after the proposal was approved by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, with all classroom facilities and infrastructure completed within three months instead of the six-month target.
“Thank you to President Prabowo and the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education for supporting SMAMCo’s facility development,” he said.