The Indonesia Smart Program (Program Indonesia Pintar/PIP) continues to expand educational access for students in remote areas of West Papua, particularly for children from underprivileged families, helping them continue their education to higher levels.

Chairman of Committee III of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Filep Wamafma, stated that the 2026 PIP distribution is focused on reaching students in rural and underdeveloped areas, including frontier, outermost, and remote regions (3T), so that the benefits of the program can be distributed more equally.

According to him, equitable access to educational assistance is an important step in supporting the learning spirit of students in West Papua, Indonesia while reducing educational disparities between urban and remote communities.

“The program is directed more toward students in remote areas to ensure that assistance truly reaches those who need it most,” Filep said during his visit to Fakfak Regency.

Beyond financial support, the PIP program also encourages students to stay motivated in pursuing their education and developing their potential. The assistance covers students from elementary to senior high and vocational schools.

In 2025, the program reached 36,879 students across West Papua, with total assistance amounting to Rp26.66 billion. Thousands of students from various educational levels received support to help meet their school-related needs.

Local governments are also encouraged to continuously update educational data through the national education database (Dapodik) to ensure that the assistance is accurately distributed and reaches more eligible students.

Collaboration between the government, schools, and parents is considered essential to ensure that educational assistance is utilized effectively in supporting the continuity of education for children in West Papua.

Through the strengthening of the Indonesia Smart Program, more students across West Papua are expected to have broader opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the future development of their communities.

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