STRATEGI PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA ORANG ASLI PAPUA (OAP) MELALUI BANTUAN BIDANG PENDIDIKAN DI KABUPATEN MERAUKE

This research aims to understand the strategy of the Regional Government of Merauke Regency through the Regional Secretariat of Merauke Regency, specifically the Welfare Division, in developing the human resources of Indigenous Papuans (OAP) through assistance in the field of education. The limitation of financial resources poses a barrier for OAP communities to pursue higher education, resulting in inequality in accessing education. There is a need for strategies to advance education, improve the living standards of the Papua community, and simultaneously promote the development of human resources among the OAP.
This study employs a qualitative with a descriptive research method. Data was collected through interviews with the Head of the Welfare Division and the staff involved in implementing the strategy. Additionally, document analysis was conducted, including the examination of activity reports and required documentation. The research findings indicate that the strategy implemented by the Welfare Division involves creating a scholarship and educational assistance program, particularly for the Indigenous Papuan community, to pursue higher education. Subsequently, the Welfare Division conducts monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effective implementation of the program. The beneficiaries of this program, as per the Regent’s Decree, are Papua students located in various regions across Indonesia.
The results of this research make a significant contribution to understanding the importance of a Local Government program in developing the human resources of its indigenous community to enhance progress in the region. The recommendations generated can serve as a guide for the Welfare Division and the Regional Government of Merauke Regency in improving the performance of the Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program, ultimately providing optimal benefits for the Indegenous Papuan community.