TOLIKARA — The Education Office of Tolikara Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, has officially appointed Susanty Merywati Ano, S.Pd.Gr, as the Principal of SMP Negeri Wondame. The appointment reflects the government’s appreciation for Susanty’s long-standing dedication to education, particularly in remote areas.
According to Remain Gurik, Secretary of the Tolikara Education Office, the decision was based on Susanty’s track record, which began in 2014 when she served as a contract teacher under the Indonesia Cerdas Program. The program was designed to improve the quality of education in underdeveloped and remote regions, including Tolikara.
“Since 2014, Mrs. Susanty Merywati served for one year in the remote interior of Tolikara under the Indonesia Cerdas Program. After that, she continued as a regional honorary teacher and demonstrated remarkable dedication,” said Remain in Karubaga on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
After completing her service in the Indonesia Cerdas Program, Susanty continued her teaching career as a district honorary teacher from 2015 to 2017. She was assigned to SMP Negeri Kembu and later transferred to SMA Negeri Kanggime. In 2018, she passed the selection for Civil Servant Candidate (CPNS) and was subsequently posted at both SMP Negeri Kanggime and SMP Negeri Wondame.
Remain described Susanty as a highly responsible and enthusiastic educator who has inspired both her students and fellow teachers. This, he said, was the main reason for her appointment as principal.
“We believe this appointment is the right decision, as she has demonstrated strong integrity and loyalty in advancing education in the region,” he emphasized.
The Tolikara Education Office also hopes that other teachers will follow in Susanty’s footsteps by dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to teaching, especially in remote areas that still face a shortage of committed educators.
Remain further stated that improving the quality of education cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires collaboration among all stakeholders—including teachers, parents, government, and communities. A shared commitment, he added, is essential in shaping a knowledgeable, diligent, and dedicated generation of Papuan youth.
“The regional government is also paying close attention to teacher welfare to ensure they remain committed to their duties. Cooperation among all education stakeholders is crucial to advancing education in Tolikara,” Remain concluded.
