JAYAPURA, Papua — Access to education for communities in Papua is set to be strengthened through plans to develop Integrated People’s Schools in three areas: Jayapura City, Sarmi Regency and Biak Numfor Regency.
The program is scheduled to be developed in stages between 2026 and 2027, as part of efforts to expand educational opportunities for children in Papua, particularly those living far from existing educational facilities.
The Integrated People’s School concept combines elementary, junior high and senior high school education within a single educational complex, allowing students to continue their education across different levels within the same area.
Construction of the school in Jayapura City has already begun, with progress estimated at around 4–5 percent. Preparations are also underway for the development of schools in Sarmi and Biak Numfor.
The facilities are expected to benefit families who face challenges accessing education because of long distances. Boarding facilities will allow students from remote areas to attend school without having to travel long distances between their homes and classrooms every day.
In addition to classrooms, the integrated school complexes are planned to include student dormitories, dining facilities, sports facilities, places of worship, multipurpose buildings and other supporting infrastructure. Housing for teachers is also being prepared to support the learning process.
The facilities are expected to accommodate approximately 2,500 students in total. The government has set a target for the three locations to be developed during the 2026–2027 period.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who inspected the construction site in Jayapura on Friday (September 19, 2026), said the development would need to be closely monitored to ensure timely completion and quality infrastructure.
“For Papua Province, we are preparing the development of Integrated People’s Schools. The concept is much broader and more comprehensive, with elementary, junior high and senior high schools all located within one complex,” Yudhoyono said.
The development of the three educational complexes in Jayapura, Sarmi and Biak Numfor is expected to expand access to education for communities across Papua and provide children from different areas with more comprehensive learning facilities.
The program is also expected to contribute to the long-term development of human resources in Papua by providing children with greater opportunities to pursue continuous education without being constrained by distance and limited educational infrastructure.
