As reported by Antara, the cooperation was realized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on education. It was signed by the Indonesian Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim and the PNG Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Marape. James Marape is also the incumbent PNG prime minister.
Minister Makarim said that the Indonesian government welcomes both countries' efforts to maintain educational cooperation through a document, that will be valid until 2033.
"Over the past five years, through the Merdeka Belajar ("Freedom to Learn") transformation movement, the Indonesian government has continued to push for a more inclusive and relevant education system. Learning in schools is now increasingly student-centered, allowing for optimal development of talents and interests," said Nadiem.
The collaboration scope includes student exchange programs, joint research, scholarships, curriculum development, language learning, and training programs. Revitalization of vocational education is also a main focus of the Merdeka Belajar, carried out to produce graduates who are better prepared to work, continue their education, or become entrepreneurs.
For the cooperation program, according to Nadiem, the two countries can explore further collaboration through training for vocational teachers in Papua New Guinea using upskilling and reskilling training schemes, online or offline training, mixed training (institutions and industry), full internship training in industry, or job training. Meanwhile, training for postgraduate students from PNG can be carried out with a 3-month and 6-month training scheme for the Work Skills Education and Entrepreneurship Skills Education programs.
Furthermore, Nadiem also outlined some partnerships established between the two countries involving the participation of PNG students. He said two Papua New Guinean students are participating in the government-sponsored Darmasiswa Scholarship for the 2024/2025 period.
“Then for the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship Program (KNB), we noted that in 2024, three students from Papua New Guinea are participating. I hope we can encourage more Papua New Guinean students or youth to participate in these programs,” he added.
Furthermore, since 2017 Indonesia has sent 12 Indonesian teachers or lecturers to promote and teach the Indonesian language within the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. The number of BIPA learners currently stands at 600 people spread across five teaching locations across PNG. Locations are the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby, Popondeta, Lae, Jiwaka province, and Goroka University.
Nadiem also conveyed Indonesia's commitment to improving the PNG's teaching and learning process. The commitment is by providing support and sending teaching staff and expertise in the curriculum or other fields needed by PNG, through the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby. (Antara)
