The restoration of children's educational rights in the highlands of Papua is entering a new chapter. PT Freeport Indonesia, in synergy with the Mimika Regency Government and the local community, has officially commenced the construction project of a two-story school building in Banti Village, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency.
This strategic step was taken after years of teaching and learning activities in the area came to a complete halt due to the burning of the school building in the past. The absence of this facility forced hundreds of school-aged children to lose their learning opportunities and compelled them to accompany their parents panning for gold along the river stream.
Head of Tembagapura District, Dev Richard Tatiratu, revealed that this development is focused on improving the quality of local human resources, not just physical infrastructure development. The new building, specifically designed for Kindergarten (TK) and Elementary School (SD) levels, will be equipped with representative classrooms and children's play area facilities.
The site inspection process has been completed in coordination with the Education Department, while respecting the local customary agreements. Physical construction is scheduled to begin this year, targeting full operations by the upcoming 2027 academic year. Once completed, the operational management of the school will be fully handed over to the Mimika Regency Government.
To support learning effectiveness, the district government is also preparing a "Full-Day School" concept. Through this program, in addition to receiving formal education, children will also be provided with guaranteed regular nutritional fulfillment, ranging from breakfast and lunch to afternoon snacks before returning home.
While awaiting the completion of construction, the learning hopes of Banti children are kept alive through the "Honai Belajar" (Learning Honai) initiative, initiated by the Tembagapura Sector Police under the leadership of Police Commissioner Chief AKP Firman. This temporary classroom currently accommodates more than 60 children daily to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic (calistung), proving the high enthusiasm for education in the region.
