Convinced that Ministry of Social Affairs Assistance Drives Improvement, Asmat Regency Government Uses "Satu Tungku Tiga Batu" Strategy

 ASMAT (27 March 2022) - The Asmat Regency Government expressed its appreciation and gratitude for the assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The regency government will continue to oversee the assistance so that it is targeted and effective in advancing the lives of the Papuan people, especially the Asmat.

Asmat Regent Elisa Kambu stated that she was proud of the Minister who had come twice and greeted residents in remote areas, namely Amagais and Erosaman Villages. Regent Elisa believes that the existing assistance can encourage the improvement of Papuan lives.

As the commitment of the Asmat Regency Government, the role of three parties will be optimized, namely the Regency Government, religious leaders, and traditional leaders. "These three parties are like Satu Tungku Tiga Batu. So the government, churches and mosques, as well as traditional leaders must work together," said Regent Elisa (27/03).

The phrase Satu Tungku Tiga Batu is notable in Fakfak, West Papua showing religious tolerance. Regent Elisa used the term to indicate the significant role of the three parties in encouraging change in Asmat.

The Regent stated that it is necessary to strengthen the quality of education to change Papua. "Given a boat, certain tribes can sail to fish. Given a hoe, they grow crops. Meanwhile, Papua has to go through education," she said.

So she was grateful that the assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs had touched on the aspects of education and human resource development (HR) in Papua. One of the assistance of the Minister of Social Affairs in Erosaman was the establishment of a community centre. Here, the Minister prepared various supporting facilities to strengthen the development of human resources such as internet connection, electricity, television, various titles of books and also teaching staff who will come regularly.

In Sarmi Regency, the Minister of Social Affairs has also prepared a community centre as a learning activities centre to strengthen the education and knowledge of residents.

This effort was a response to the needs of residents in the three areas visited by the Minister in Papua. When the minister was having a dialogue with the community in Erosaman, the community expressed their desire to receive an education. They stated that they wanted the teacher to be present where they lived.

The Minister stated that in the current era, face to face learning is not that necessary. “There is no need for a direct meeting with the teacher. I'll put the television on here later. You will be given an internet connection. So teachers can teach kids here remotely. Later I will also teach from Jakarta," said the Minister when greeting residents in Erosaman.

In general, the visit of the Minister of Social Affairs for three days in Papua was for monitoring the assistance that has been given to various parties. In addition, it was also to identify other necessities that are still needed by residents.