Timika – Several children studying at Honai School, a makeshift school in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency, met with the Central Papua Police Chief, Brigadier General Jermias Rontini. During the meeting, they shared their heartbreaking stories of having been unable to access formal education for nine years.
Brigadier General Jermias met with the children at Honai School in Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, on Tuesday (June 16, 2026). A student representative, Tinus Waker, bravely expressed their pent-up concerns.
“We aspire to be doctors, police officers, military officers, and teachers. But how can we achieve those dreams if we haven’t had adequate schools since 2017?” Tinus asked Jermias.
The innocent question immediately silenced the atmosphere. In response, Brigadier General Jermias emphasized that the aspirations of the Tembagapura children would be taken seriously by the police.
“I will pass on what the children said today to the authorities. We all pray that their hopes will come true and that education in Tembagapura will receive better attention,” said Jermias.
Furthermore, Jermias emphasized that the education crisis in Tembagapura must not be allowed to drag on. He believes that every Papuan child has the same right to receive a decent education without exception.
“I don’t want any children to drop out of school and lose their future. These children are the next generation of Central Papua, whom we must save together,” said Jermias.
“There must be a solution for them. The government, security forces, community leaders, traditional leaders, and all parties must work together to find a solution so these children can once again receive their right to a decent education,” he continued.
Jermias admitted that he was deeply moved by the enthusiasm shown by the children of Tembagapura for learning. For him, the situation on the ground is a stark reminder that the state cannot turn a blind eye to the future of young people in remote areas, especially those affected by conflict.
“When I see them studying in this simple honai, I see a burning hope. They have big dreams. Some want to become doctors, teachers, police officers, and soldiers. Our job is to ensure those dreams don’t end just because they don’t have adequate schooling,” he said.
During the visit, Jermias also handed over stationery and learning supplies to student representatives. This assistance symbolizes that Tembagapura children’s struggle to achieve a future is not a lonely one.
“We will do our best for these children. Don’t let them miss out on the opportunity to learn. Let them come to school and learn to read and write. Education is the foundation of their future,” the Chief of Police emphasized.
For your information, this Honai School is a learning space directly supervised by the Tembagapura Police. Currently, 55 children are receiving informal education there.
These children are victims of the security conflict since 2017, caused by disturbances by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). This prolonged conflict caused damage to several educational facilities, even burning down, leading to the gradual and complete halt of school activities.
The situation is even more concerning because formal education has been discontinued in the area since 2024. As a result, many children are deprived of their basic right to education and are forced to drop out of school.
