Papuan schools close due to lack of teachers, transportation

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