Papua Highland Marks Hardiknas 2026 by Planting 3,000 Trees

RRI.CO.ID, Wamena - The Papua Highland Provincial Administration marked National Education Day (Hardiknas) 2026 by planting 3,000 trees across the Jayawijaya highlands. The initiative seeks to weave ecological conservation into the regional curriculum, fostering a generation of students who are as committed to protecting their ancestral lands.

The reforestation effort took place in the scenic Napua hills of Jayawijaya Regency, bringing together 300 students and teachers from YPPGI Napua Elementary School and Papua Harapan Sentani School. The Acting Head of the Papua Highland Education and Culture Agency, Simon Sembor, explained in Wamena on Saturday, May 2, 2026, that the planting was centered around the Napua hills and Kristen Wamena High School to address urgent environmental concerns.

"This tree planting is our support from the Education and Culture Agency to maintain natural sustainability and ecosystems to prevent disasters such as landslides and floods," said Simon, as quoted by Antara.

This mass planting serves as the inaugural step for the Green the Valley program, a flagship environmental campaign for Jayawijaya Regency. Chairperson of the Governor’s Expert Staff Team, Paul Wetipo, emphasized that the governor intends to make this an annual tradition.

"Our coordination with the governor ensures that at every Hardiknas celebration, this planting spirit must be instilled in the younger generation so they can guard the natural ecosystem in this region," remarked Paul.

He further noted that the youth must be equipped with an environmental soul from an early age. "The governor wants schoolchildren to be taught to love nature by guarding forests and planting trees. As proof of this love, today we invited the children to plant."

The initiative aligns with the broader vision of Governor John Tabo and Deputy Governor Ones Pahabol, which rests on the three pillars of government, custom, and religion. By engaging children in these activities, the administration hopes to harmonize traditional values with modern ecological needs.

The 3,000 seedlings selected for the project consist primarily of native species such as Wilo and Sin, alongside Pucuk Merah to enhance the area's aesthetic appeal. "We prioritize native trees like Wilo and Sin because they improve soil fertility," explained Paul.

Moving forward, the provincial administration plans to expand this educational planting culture across all eight regencies of Papua Highland during future National Education Day commemorations. This initiative aims to cement a legacy of sustainability for the region’s future leaders. ***