Nabire, June 24 -- Central Papua Provincial Government has allocated Rp77.8 billion (around US$4.3 million) to fund a free education programme in 2026.

Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa said the programme reflects the regional government's commitment to improving access for education while reducing school dropout rates caused by economic constraints.

"This year, we are funding 58,920 junior high school, senior high school, vocational high school, special school students, and school dormitories in Central Papua with a budget of Rp77.8 billion," Nawipa said while opening the 2026 Student Cultural Creativity Light Festival in Nabire on Wednesday.

Nawipa said Central Papua has become the first province in Papua region to allocate a large-...