Sentani, 10/2 (Jubi), The Papuan provincial government has allocated 150 billion rupiah to improve the competitiveness of Papuans, an official said.
“We have deducted 80 percent of allocated autonomy funds for Districts/Municipalities to be distributed into the Villages Development Strategic Planning Program, the Papua Healthy Card program and 150 billion for the Competitiveness Improvement Program,” the provincial regional secretary, Herry Dosinaen, told reporters on Monday (10/2) at Sentani, Jayapura.
The competitiveness funds, he said, would be spent on scholarships for indigenous Papua students studying at major universities both at home and abroad.
“Also it will be used to support indigenous women as part of the First 1000 Days of Life program,” he added.
Asked about Papua students who are currently studying aviation, he said the government will support them but the priority will be given to indigenous students.
“These funds that we have budgeted are especially for indigenous students, not for non-Papuans. The governor and vice governor also directly reviewed the budget.
Indigenous Papua youngster Klemens Sorbu, who has passed a flight school entrance tests, told tabloidjubi.com that he has submitted a budget proposal to the Jayapura government but said he has received no response.
“I just need to pass one more test but I don’t have money to finance my studies at the flight school. I am still waiting a response from the local government. I really hope the government can support indigenous youth like me,” he said. (Jubi/Aprilia/rom)
