VP Gibran Reviews Education, Public Services in Central Papua's Mimika Regency

RRI.CO.ID, Timika - Indonesia's Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, visited Mimika Regency, Central Papua on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. His visit to the regency, known for the Grasberg mine nearby, was part of his western Papua tour.

Gibran first inspected Mimika Education Center, comprising public elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, and interacted directly with students and teachers. A total of 1,031 students study in this area.

Several school facilities were also reviewed by the Vice President, including the library, computer laboratory, and science laboratory at SMA Negeri 5 Mimika. In addition, as stated by the head of the center's junior high school, Anton Rante, the school provides dormitory facilities for students from remote areas to ensure continued access to education.

“All school needs, including dormitories, uniforms, and meals, are free and fully funded by the government,” Anton said.

Head of the center's elementary school, Syamsiah Muksin, explained that the education center, established in 2010, is intended for children from various indigenous tribes of Mimika, including two major tribes of Kamoro and Amungme, as well as five related tribes. Syamsiah said students from the education center have achieved international awards, including in language festivals and choir competitions.

“Our students have achieved at the district, provincial, national, and even international levels, including winning a silver medal at the Yogyakarta International Choir Festival,” she said.

Gibran then proceeded to SMAN 4 Mimika to review the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. He observed the food distribution process directly and interacted with teachers and students to understand the program’s impact on the ground.

A teacher at SMAN 4 Mimika, Suharti, stated that the program provides real benefits, especially for students who previously had limited access to food before going to school. Before the program, some students were found arriving late or even skipping school due to hunger.

“This program really helps, especially the students. Some of our students come from home without eating—not because they don’t want to eat, but because they simply don’t have food,” she said.

The program has been running at the school for about six months. One student, Nur Salsabila (15), said she has felt its direct benefits.

“Thankfully, I snack less now, and my meals are much more regular,” she said.

Finally, Gibran, theeldest son of former president Joko Widodo, visited the Mimika Command Center at the Mimika Regent’s Office with Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob. The visit emphasized strengthening digital-based public services by adopting Gibran’s “Lapor Mas Wapres” concept, allowing citizens to submit complaints directly and connect with the local government.

The Mimika Command Center serves as an integrated digital control center that monitors various aspects of public services, including infrastructure, health, education, and social issues. Since its inauguration on June 19, 2025, the system has received 421 public reports, more than half of which have been resolved.

On that occasion, Gibran emphasized the importance of cross-sector data integration so that every public complaint can be followed up quickly, measurably, and transparently. He also highlighted the need for systems that support the optimization of regional revenue, which can be monitored directly.