Young Papuans Pursue Land Management Studies to Support Regional Development
Yogyakarta, Indonesia — A growing number of young Papuans are choosing to study land administration and spatial planning at Indonesia’s Polytechnic of Agrarian Affairs (STPN) in Yogyakarta, driven by a desire to contribute to development efforts in their home regions.
The institution, which operates under Indonesia’s Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), has become an educational pathway for students seeking expertise in land governance, an area considered crucial for sustainable development across Papua.
Among them is second-year cadet Alfando Almendo from Manokwari, West Papua, who said his decision to enroll at STPN was motivated by a simple goal: helping build his region.
“What I had in mind when I decided to study at the Polytechnic of Agrarian Affairs STPN was simple: I wanted to be involved in developing my region. Papua still needs a great deal of development and, of course, requires human resources who understand land affairs and spatial planning,” Alfando said in a statement received in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.
According to Alfando, ongoing land-related challenges across Papua encouraged him to deepen his understanding of agrarian studies. He hopes the knowledge gained through his education will enable him to help address land issues upon returning home.
Beyond academic training, Alfando highlighted the institution’s residential education system, which he said plays a significant role in shaping discipline, leadership skills, and character.
“Here, we do not only study academics, but we also learn discipline, leadership, and how to live alongside friends from across Indonesia. This is an important asset for working together in developing Papua,” he said.
A similar commitment was expressed by Rafael Korwa, a second-year cadet from Merauke, South Papua. His interest in maps from an early age initially sparked his curiosity about surveying and land management.
During his studies, Rafael said he came to realize that land administration extends far beyond technical mapping and has a direct impact on communities.
“Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed looking at maps. After studying land affairs, I learned that this field is very important in helping resolve various problems in society, including land disputes that often occur in my community,” he said.
Rafael noted that many people still lack a clear understanding of land rights and land-related legal frameworks. As a result, he believes the demand for qualified agrarian professionals remains particularly high in regions with complex land issues, such as Papua.
He hopes to return to his hometown after graduation and share his knowledge with local communities.
“My hope is that after graduating, I can return and share the knowledge I have gained with the community so that people better understand their rights and are not easily disadvantaged in land-related matters,” he said.
The experiences of Alfando and Rafael reflect a growing awareness among Papua’s younger generation of the importance of expertise in land administration and spatial planning as a foundation for regional development.
Through their education at STPN, both students aim to contribute to improved land governance while supporting sustainable development across Papua.
The Polytechnic of Agrarian Affairs STPN is currently accepting applications for its 2026 academic intake from high school graduates interested in pursuing studies in land administration and spatial planning. Registration is open until June 18, 2026.
