Tell the Truths deeply regrets that an article has been published by the online media Asia Pacific Report. The article is very misleading to the public because it is not followed by the facts that actually happened. (https://asiapacificreport.nz/2022/01/27/global-papuan-student-body-condemns-jakartas-disruption-of-study-funds/)
Media Asia Pacific Report in the article only raised statements made by the Papuan Students Association in Oceania, Papuan Students Association in the United States of America and Canada, Papuan Students Association in Russia, Papua Students Association in Germany and the Papua Students Association in Japan.
However, it is unfortunate that this statement is not confirmed by the facts that actually happened. This unbalanced and one-sided article can be ammunition for groups who do not like unity and peace to occur within the Republic of Indonesia
In relation to the scholarship program for students from Papua Province who are currently studying in the United States, the Philippines, Canada and New Zealand, the Government of Indonesia has been very consistent from the start to continue to support the program.
The Indonesian government strongly believes that the program has a positive influence on the intellectual development of the Indonesian people, especially the education of the Papuan people. Papuan students who have studied abroad are expected to return to Indonesia, especially to return to Papua to support development in the region so that Papua becomes even better.
The repatriation of a number of Papuan students who are currently participating in the scholarship program is only imposed on students who are considered less successful academically. Students who are considered unable to complete the education will then be replaced by other Papuan students who are considered more able to compete academically abroad. Thus the mission and objectives of this scholarship program are expected to achieve optimal results.
As a clarification of this case, the following is an official statement from the Indonesian government regarding the scholarship program for students from Papua Province which Tell The Truths hopes can provide enlightenment and a clearer understanding of this issue.
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On the issue of Scholarship for Indonesian Students from Papua Province
1. The Government of the Republic of Indonesian is appealed to the unfounded claims made by Asia Pacific Report in one of its article dated 27 January 2022 on the issue of scholarships for Indonesian students from Papua Province. (http://asiapacificreport.nz/2022/01/27/global-papuan-student-body-condemns-jakartas-disruption-ofdtudy-funds/)
2. Contrary to the baseless account provided in the sensationalist articles. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia is committed to ensuring the fulfilment of the right to education and capacity building for all Indonesian citizens, including through the provision of scholarship to pursue academic degree overseas.
3. On 5 January 2022, the Provincial Government of Papua informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the planned repatriation of 98 students, which are made up to 51 students in the US, 5 students in Philippines, 3 students in Canada and 39 students in New Zealand.
*The aforesaid students are part of 593 students from Papua Province receiving the “Papua Autonomy Scholarship”.
4. The decision of the Provincial Government of Papua is based on a thorough assessment related to the students ability to continue fulfilling their academic requirements and allocated study period
* The assessment, which began in 2017, is conducted by reviewing the awardees’ academic transcripts obtained from their respective educational institutions. Some have exceeded their study period and/or have not met the academic requirements needed to continue their studies
*The decision to repatriate certain students, do not impact those who remain on-track with their studies
*The assessment is also conducted to ensure that other eligible students from Papua Province could also receive opportunity in pursuing their studies
5. The Provincial Government of Papua, in coordination with Indonesian Missions abroad, has duty notified concerned students and education institution of the matter. The respiration process were originally scheduled to commence on 15 January 2022, while according the challenges related to travel procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
6. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, as explained by the Minister of Finance in November 2021, emphasizes that there are no budget cuts to the Papua Autonomy Funds, including the purpose of education, Adjustments have been made, however to the Papua Autonomy Fund budgetary system, with a view to increasing the productivity, accountability, and transparency of managing such funds
7. Indonesian Missions in respective countries, including New Zealand, have duty engaged the affected students since the decision was made to repatriate them, including in finding a solution of Papua, that would lessen the burden of these students. The Indonesian Missions have also assured the students of their readiness to assist with the repatriation process.
8. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia deplores any effort at disinformation and spreading false news by those elements who shamelessly manipulate the situation of Papuan students abroad for their own deceitful political agenda.
