Wamena – The Jayawijaya Regency Government, through the Office of Youth and Sports (Disorda) in the Papua Highlands, is actively promoting the enhancement of scout education in all educational institutions. This initiative aims to foster resilient, creative, and well-rounded individuals capable of facing modern challenges.
The Head of the Jayawijaya Disorda, Fatah Yassin, on Wednesday in Wamena, emphasized the importance of strengthening scouting activities across all levels, from local scout councils (gugus depan or gudep) to sub-district councils (kwartir ranting or kwarran) and district councils (kwartir cabang or kwarcab). He highlighted the role of scouting in equipping students with life skills, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility toward their environment and community.
“We understand the limitations we face, especially since not all districts have their own kwarran. This becomes our responsibility as scout organization mentors in Jayawijaya to reinforce the organizational structure. If the higher levels are well-established, it will be easier to form local scout councils in schools,” said Fatah.
He noted that one of the main challenges is the presence of districts with only one or two schools, making it difficult and less effective to form kwarrans or local councils. To address this, he suggested merging districts with a small number of schools into nearby kwarrans to optimize organizational operations.
“The number of schools in each district varies, tailored to local needs. Despite the challenges, we are committed to ensuring that scouting activities are implemented at all educational levels. This year, we plan to establish three new kwarrans with support from district governments, which are also expected to actively supervise scouting activities in their respective areas,” he explained.
Fatah expressed his optimism that scout education plays a critical role in shaping the character of the younger generation in Jayawijaya, strengthening solidarity and fostering a sense of national pride. He believes that scouting is one of the oldest and most effective organizations in developing the character of youth in the Papua Highlands. Furthermore, scouting serves as a platform for nurturing leadership skills and adaptability among students in coping with societal changes.
“There are countless examples of how youth with strong characters, molded by scouting education, have successfully faced the challenges of the times. This proves that scouting is one of the best avenues to cultivate individuals who are outstanding and have integrity,” he stated.
Through strategic measures, the Jayawijaya Regency Government hopes that scout education will continue to grow and become an integral part of the education system in the Papua Highlands. This effort is expected not only to produce quality youth but also to serve as a long-term investment in the advancement of the region and the nation.
