JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government is implementing the Sekolah Rakyat program while awaiting the completion of permanent school facilities. The approach is intended to ensure that children from low-income families do not have to wait for school buildings to be completed before gaining access to education services.

Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri said three locations proposed for construction in 2026 have begun development in Biak, Sarmi and Jayapura City. The program has also been operating since the previous year in several regencies.

Fakhiri made the statement while accompanying Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono during a visit to a pilot integrated Sekolah Rakyat in North Jayapura District, Jayapura City, on Friday (Sept. 18, 2026).

“The three locations from our proposals that can begin construction this year are in Biak, Sarmi and Jayapura City. However, we cannot simply wait until the buildings are completed,” Fakhiri said.

According to Fakhiri, the Sekolah Rakyat program can expand access to education for children from low-income families. The program is also expected to reach children who have dropped out of school and those living in areas with limited access to education.

Fakhiri said further construction is planned in Jayapura Regency, Yapen Islands Regency and Supiori Regency. In Jayapura Regency, the government has prepared a site in Maribu on land owned by the Papua Provincial Government.

“If these schools can be built closer to areas that are already accessible, they can provide significant help to Papuan children who may currently be unable to attend school,” he said.

Fakhiri expressed hope that construction of Sekolah Rakyat across Papua could be completed next year. Land availability remains one of the issues that needs to be addressed in developing several locations.

Fakhiri said most regencies and cities had prepared land to support the program. The Papua Provincial Government will continue to push forward with construction so that access to education can be expanded for the program’s target groups. ***