Indonesia pushes equitable early childhood education in Papua

hartono · Nov 25, 2025

File photo - Children wearing traditional Papuan clothing take part in the Doreh Bay Festival in Manokwari, West Papua, November 15, 2025. (ANTARA FOTO/Chairil Indra/sgd/tom)

Manokwari, West Papua (ANTARA) - An Indonesian education official has underscored the importance of strengthening the early childhood education ecosystem, calling it a key foundation for achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq said during the "Outstanding Indonesian Children" (AIH) campaign in Manokwari, West Papua, on Tuesday that children must grow in a supportive and stimulating environment.

"The AIH campaign is a collective effort to ensure every child receives their fundamental right to quality education, starting from early childhood education," he stated.

He said Manokwari was selected as a focal point in eastern Indonesia due to geographic challenges and persistent disparities in educational access.

Haq added that the government is committed to ensuring equitable access and quality education from an early age, stressing that the AIH movement must translate into concrete action rather than remain a slogan.

"Early childhood education is not only the responsibility of teachers, but a collaboration between the government, parents, and the private sector. It must become a real movement to cultivate a superior generation," he remarked.

Director of Early Childhood Education Nia Nurhasanah said the campaign adopts a holistic approach, combining physical support with capacity-building for teachers and parents.

Children are offered play areas featuring traditional games and sports, while parents and teachers join workshops on early childhood care, parenting, and financial literacy.

The Manokwari event also distributes facilities and learning tools to early childhood education institutions.

Manokwari District Head Hermus Indou welcomed the initiative, saying it demonstrates the central government's commitment to developing human resources in Papua.