The problem of education and health services in the province of West Papua has been a concern of the Indonesian government. However, west Papua has made significant progress in the education and health sectors in recent years. The government’s efforts have positively impacted education and healthcare in West Papua.
The education and health sectors in West Papua have improved as a result of the government’s successful programs.
Before, through Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020, the government wanted to accelerate the welfare increase in West Papua. This, of course, includes improvements in the education and health sector. [1]
Respond to the problem, and several government programs have been developed to improve education and health in West Papua.
Education Development in West Papua
Regarding educational infrastructure, the number of schools in West Papua still needs to be increased to accommodate the number of students in the West Papua region.
To begin with, look at the 2018 to 2019 data. Five hundred fifty new elementary school buildings are needed to meet the needs. [2]
This condition, of course, has an impact on the Net Enrollment Rate (APM), which is an indicator to measure how many school-age children are getting an education. Overcoming this situation and improving the quality of education in West Papua, the Ministry of Education and Culture has prepared several programs since 2019.
Some of the programs that the Ministry of Education and Culture has carried out are as follows:
- Provision of a one-roof school with a dormitory pattern to increase the enrollment rate of West Papuan children in school.
- Teacher: Implement a contextual curriculum based on regional content and language in the classroom.
- Providing Affirmation of Secondary Education (ADEM) scholarships as well as Kartu Indonesia Pintar to West Papuan children. [3]
Due to the implementation of the above programs by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the School Enrollment Rate (APS) in West Papua has increased. APS data for several regions in West Papua from 2019 to 2021 has risen periodically. [4]
Undoubtedly, this is the most compelling evidence that implementing the programs mentioned earlier is gradually overcoming West Papua’s educational problems.
Health Quality Improvement in West Papua
Apart from the education sector, the issue of the quality of health services in West Papua is also of concern to the Indonesian government. Infrastructure problems and a shortage of health workers are the root causes that hinder the quality of health services in West Papua.
Not all districts and cities in West Papua have Regional General Hospitals (RSUD) and health centers. Moreover, many health facilities exist only in large urban areas. This problem obviously inhibits the community’s access to health facilities, particularly in remote areas. [5]
Because of this problem, the gap between West Papua and other provinces regarding health facilities remains relatively high.
In response to this issue, the West Papua government goes with several things:
- Continues to acquire more hospitals and other health facilities. In addition, the West Papua government is also continuing to increase the number of health workers, especially in remote areas.
- The Provincial Government of West Papua has also enrolled 1.150.186 persons in the National Health Insurance Program (JKN) to improve public health.
- On December 5, 2022, 99% of the population of West Papua Province also had been registered as participants in the National Health Insurance Program. This means that almost all citizens of West Papua Province have access to health facility services. [6]
On March 14, 2023, West Papua finally won the UHC or Universal Health Coverage award. Represented by the Governor of West Papua, West Papua received this award because it successfully implemented a health service system for all its people. [7]
Being two areas of concern until now, the West Papua government continues to work on improving education and healthcare in West Papua.