Students in Merauke (Jubi)
Merauke, Jubi (3/3) – Students at a private elementary school in Merauke have been unable to study for five months after the building was blocked by customary land owners, residents said.
The blockade, which started in October, ended last month but the students had since been abandoned by their teacher, said Kornelia Mahuze during a dialogue with Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka in the Hall of Pangkat-Kelapa Lima on Monday (3/2).
It is true that in the middle of February, the land owners opened the blockade. We were happy because the teaching – learning activities could run for a week under a teacher named Hartati. However, she left the kids afterwards,” she said.
“I have a child going to the school. We as parents are very concerned for their future if the school does not run as usual since the teachers and the principal do not show up. In fact, the children are very enthusiastic about going to school,” she said.
She said she hoped Mbaraka will take decisive action to impose sanctions on the principal and the teachers.
“Frankly, we as indigenous Papuans, feel very dissatisfied as our children have become victims. Yes, the school has been unblocked and the principle and teachers should have been back to work again,” she said.
Mbaraka said that he will consult acting the local head of the Education and Teaching department, Liem Gebze, for further information.
“I will take decisive action against the principal and the teachers who are not performing their duties in the village,” he said. (Jubi / Frans L Kobun/ Tina)
