RRI.CO.ID, Jayapura Regency - Indonesia's Papua Provincial Government has begun constructing the People's School to expand access to education for underprivileged children. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Maribu Village, Jayapura Regency, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The project is a collaboration between the Papua Provincial Government, Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Works. The school is expected to provide broader opportunities for children to receive quality education.

Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko A.F. Rumaropen said the People's School reflects the government's commitment to equal educational opportunities. He said the program ensures every Papuan child has access to quality education.

“The People's School is tangible proof that the state is present to ensure every Papuan child has the same opportunity to receive quality education,” he said.

Aryoko said the project is a long-term investment in developing Papua's human resources. The initiative is expected to produce a generation that is intelligent, resilient, and globally competitive.

The provincial government also encourages greater involvement of indigenous Papuans as teachers. The approach is expected to make learning more relevant to local social and cultural values.

The program supports Papua's CERAH vision, which stands for Smart, Prosperous, and Harmonious Papua. Improving human resource quality remains one of the province's key development priorities.

The government also emphasized the importance of support from communities, businesses, universities, and other stakeholders. It hopes construction will finish on schedule so the school can soon serve local families.