Students in West Papua, represented by the Solidaritas Pelajar West Papua (SPWP), took to the streets in protest against the Free Nutritious Meal Program on Monday, February 17, 2025. This large-scale demonstration was simultaneously held in eight cities and regencies across Papua, including Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Yalimo Regency, Jayawijaya Regency, Yahukimo Regency, Dogiyai Regency, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, and Mimika Regency.
The protesters, comprised of thousands of students, voiced their concerns, arguing that the substantial funds allocated to the Free Nutritious Meal Program would be better utilized for free education and school facility improvements. Ainus Yalak, the Action Coordinator in Jayapura City, succinctly captured their sentiment by stating, “We reject free food, if possible, make education free.”
Additionally, the students demanded that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meal Program be redirected to address the high illiteracy rate in Papua, which stood at 12.84 percent according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023. While the program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on January 6, 2025, aimed to provide nutritious meals to students, those in Papua felt that it failed to address the core issues in their region, such as limited educational access and inadequate teacher welfare.
Furthermore, the demonstrators raised concerns about cases of food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meal Program in various areas, including Sukoharjo and Nganjuk, citing these incidents as evidence that the program was not yet ready for widespread implementation. They also condemned the involvement of security forces in food distribution in remote regions of Papua, with one speaker in Jayapura urging an end to the military and police presence in their schools during meal distributions.
Challenges and Calls for Change
In an official statement, the SPWP outlined their primary demands, which included the rejection of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in all schools in Papua and a request for the government to reevaluate and reallocate the program’s budget towards free education. The students’ impassioned plea for educational reform underscored their commitment to shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
As the SPWP’s protest gained momentum, drawing attention both locally and nationally, it highlighted the deep-seated issues facing the education system in Papua. Beyond the immediate call to action regarding the Free Nutritious Meal Program, the demonstration shed light on broader systemic challenges, such as the disparity in educational resources and the critical need for teacher support and training.
The Path Forward: Dialogue and Collaboration
As the government grapples with the students’ demands and the complexities of educational reform in Papua, the need for open dialogue and collaboration becomes increasingly evident. While differing perspectives and priorities may exist, finding common ground to address the root causes of educational inequity and improve overall learning outcomes remains a shared goal.
In navigating these complex issues, policymakers, educators, students, and community leaders must come together to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being and educational success of all students in Papua. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect, stakeholders can pave the way for meaningful change and a more equitable educational landscape.
The call to action by the students of West Papua serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective voices in driving social change and advocating for a brighter future. As the dialogue continues and efforts to address the underlying issues in the education system progress, the hope for a more equitable and accessible education for all students in Papua remains steadfast. The journey towards transformative change may be long and challenging, but with unity, perseverance, and a shared commitment to education, a brighter tomorrow is within reach.
