Jayapura – The Head of the Papua Province Education Office, Marthen Medlama, has underscored that teacher welfare is a crucial factor in improving the quality of education in the Papua region.
He made these remarks while attending the launch of the anniversary celebrations for the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) and National Teachers’ Day (HGN) 2026, held recently on the grounds of the Kotaraja Autonomous Office complex in Jayapura.
The event, organized by the Papua Provincial chapter of the PGRI, was attended by school principals and teachers from Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, and Keerom Regency.
Marthen expressed his hope that the commemoration of the PGRI anniversary and National Teachers’ Day would strengthen the role of the teachers’ organization in fostering educational progress, particularly within Papua Province.
“It is my hope that the PGRI organization will continue to improve in the future. After all, when teachers are well-supported and prosperous, it positively impacts the quality of education provided to students,” he stated.
He added that the Papua Provincial Government, through the Education Office, has allocated a budget of IDR 200 million for 2026 to support the programs and activities of the Papua PGRI chapter.
This support is intended to bolster the role of the teachers’ organization while simultaneously driving improvements in the quality of education across the region.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the 2026 Papua PGRI Anniversary Committee, Ana Rumbiak, explained that the launch event began with a fun walk and a group exercise session, followed by a blood donation drive held in collaboration with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Jayapura City.
The series of events will continue from November 9–11, 2026, featuring choir and solo singing competitions.
Subsequently, from November 11–13, 2026, the committee will host various sports competitions, including men’s and women’s futsal, badminton, and chess. According to Ana, this series of activities is part of an effort to foster togetherness, boost morale, and strengthen solidarity among teachers.
The peak of the 2026 PGRI anniversary and National Teachers’ Day celebrations for the Papua Province is scheduled to take place on November 27, 2026.
During the launch event, the organizing committee also held a prize draw, offering various attractive rewards for the participants.
Through these commemorative events, it is hoped that PGRI Papua will further strengthen solidarity among educators and support the realization of quality education for the younger generation in the Land of Papua.
