Papuan schools close due to lack of teachers, transportation

Many schools in remote areas of Irian Jaya have had to halt classes due to the lack of teachers as well as poor transportation for students trying to get to school, an activist said on Saturday.

Alfon Ongge, a youth activist, blamed the administration for ignoring the people's right to education and neglecting the construction of transportation infrastructure, so badly needed for the development of remote areas.

"The administration is not paying serious attention to these difficulties," he said as quoted by Antara.

The majority of Papuans reside in the hinterland of the province and rely on rudimentary transportation facilities to reach schools located in different regions.

"We cannot blame the teachers (for refusing assignments in remote areas), because it is the government, especially the agencies directly involved, who should be held responsible for this situation," Ongge said.

He suggested that the provincial administration allocate more funds to support the development of remote areas.--Antara