Nabire, Central Papua, September 4, 2026 — The Brotherhood Baptist Union Foundation (Yasebaper) in Central Papua has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a higher education institution aimed at developing young Papuans into skilled, competitive and character-driven graduates grounded in Christian values.
Yasebaper Central Papua Chairman Erickson Mikael Maklon Saflesa said the planned university would form part of the foundation’s efforts to contribute to human resource development in the province.
He made the statement following the inauguration of the Yasebaper Central Papua office and the installation of its foundation signboard in Lani Village, Teluk Kimi District, Nabire, on Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2026).
Saflesa said the establishment of the foundation’s administrative office and the installation of its signboard were among the steps taken to fulfill infrastructure and operational feasibility requirements for establishing a private higher education institution.
“The establishment of a higher education institution plays a major role in developing the region by improving the quality of human resources, particularly among young Papuans, through the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education,” he said.
He emphasized that higher education has an important role in supporting regional development through the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education, covering education, research and community service.
Meanwhile, Acting Rector of Bakidi University (UNIBAK) Central Papua, Mesak Mofu, S.Pd., M.Pd., said the Church is currently undertaking a number of important initiatives as part of its responsibility to carry out the Great Commission of Christ.
Mofu said the university’s academic community had been formally inaugurated by church representatives together with Yasebaper on Aug. 21, 2026.
He described the move as part of the mandate and responsibility entrusted by the Church, particularly the Baptist Church in Papua.
Mofu also stressed the importance of support from the government, local communities and the Church for the continued development of UNIBAK Central Papua.
“Because support and cooperation between higher education institutions, communities and the government are an important part of implementing development programs, including in the field of higher education,” he said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen access to higher education in Central Papua while providing young Papuans with greater opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to the region’s long-term human resource development.
