Wamena, Papua Highlands (ANTARA) – The Papua Highlands provincial government is funding the higher education of 500 local students at universities in Indonesia and overseas, with the program scheduled to end this year. acting Education and Culture Agency Chief Simon Sembor said .
Speaking here Saturday, he said the government was still funding 500 students enrolled at universities domestically and abroad.
“We are still funding 500 students under the Papua Excellent Students Program, which began in 2017 when the Papua Highlands was part of Papua Province,” he said.
Funding for the 500 students at various universities in Indonesia and overseas will end this year, Simon said, adding that residents should know that but another education program will be launched after it concludes.
For the 2027 higher education program, students sent to universities will be selected based on regional needs, following the governor’s direction, he said.
“Next year’s program will prioritize fields with job opportunities, including health specialists, natural-resource management specialists and specialized schools. We will fund only selected fields, not every university major,” he said.
The government had allocated about 50 billion rupiah (US$3.1 million) to fund the 500 students under the Papua Excellent Students Program through this year, he said.
“We are allocating about 50 billion rupiah to fund the program, which began in 2017 and ends this year. We hope supported students return and help develop the region,” he added.
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Translator: Yudhi E, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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