Central Papua Governor Reflects Freeport and YPMAK’s Role in His Life Journey
Timika, March 29, 2025 – Central Papua Governor Meki Fritz Nawipa visited Timika, Mimika Regency, on Thursday (March 27). He began his visit by stopping at the office of the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK) to meet with the administrators of the foundations and reflect on the role of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) in his educational journey.
"I would like to thank Freeport Indonesia through YPMAK for consistently funding the education of Papuan children for nearly 30 years, including myself," said Meki.
The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Deinas Geley, Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob, and Deputy Regent Emanuel Kemong. They were warmly welcomed by YPMAK Chairman Leonardus Tumuka and PTFI’s Director & Executive Vice President of Sustainability Development, Claus Wamafma.
Claus stated that PTFI's contribution through YPMAK in education has produced ten regional leaders at the provincial and district levels in Papua, including Governor Meki Nawipa, who graduated from the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) thanks to a YPMAK scholarship.
On the second day of his working visit, the Governor met with Papuan children who are studying at the Taruna Papua Boarding School (SATP). Addressing 1.155 SATP students, the former pilot expressed his gratitude for seeing Papuan children enjoying top-quality educational facilities. He emphasized the importance of building strong character among Papua's youth.
"I also encouraged the children here not to quickly forget the kindness of Freeport and YPMAK because, thanks to them, we have been able to receive the best education like we do today," Meki stated.
At SATP, the Governor interacted with students, inspected dormitory rooms, visited the kitchen, and had lunch with the students in the dining hall. The atmosphere reminded him of his own educational journey, supported by the Freeport scholarship.
Later, Meki and his entourage visited the Kuala Kencana Water Treatment Plant (WTP), built by PTFI. He praised PTFI for supporting the improvement of living standards and the well-being of the Mimika community through the development of the WTP facility.
YPMAK Chairman Leonardus Tumuka welcomed the visit of one of their successful alumni. He expressed pride in Meki Nawipa's achievement as Governor and his return to YPMAK.
"The YPMAK scholarship program will continue to produce high-quality graduates. We hope the Governor's visit will lead to collaboration between YPMAK and the government in empowering the Amungme and Kamoro communities, along with five tribes in Mimika," said Leonardus.
The Governor delivered a special message to YPMAK, PTFI, and the Mimika Regency Government. He hopes that more attention will be given to the development and empowerment of Papua's people. "I hope there will be no more Papuan children left out of school, and that every child in Central Papua Province will have equal access to education," Meki stated.
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