OPENING OF BENGKEL KERJA PAPUA SERVICE YEAR 2025 OFFICIALLY STARTED IN KAMPUNG HARAPAN

Sentani, Sunday, January 19, 2025 – The Free Computer Training program organized by Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation (BKP) officially began at the GKI Maranatha Church Hall, Asrama Kampung Harapan, Sentani. The opening ceremony was conducted by Rev. Dessy Matatula, Chair of the GKI Maranatha Congregation, and attended by the Chairperson of the Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation, Merlin Rumbarar, along with various community leaders.

This training marks the start of the Bengkel Kerja Papua Service Year 2025, aiming to enhance digital literacy among the people of Papua. The program will run for 12 days, from January 19 to January 31, 2025, with 364 participants registered. They are divided into eight learning groups based on age and educational background. This initiative is expected to provide practical benefits, particularly in developing fundamental skills in information technology.

The GKI Maranatha Church was deliberately chosen as the location for this program due to its deep meaning. The name “Maranatha,” derived from Greek and Aramaic, translates to “Our Lord, come” or “Our Lord has come/will come,” as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:22. Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation views the opening of the 2025 Service Year as a reminder that God has come to support the people of Papua and everyone residing in this land. This aligns with BKP's vision of empowering Papuans through education and training relevant to current needs.

Kampung Harapan, the program's location, holds significant historical value. Formerly known as Kota NICA (Nederlandsch Indië Civil Administratie), this area was one of Papua’s centers of civilization during the Dutch colonial period. In 1944, the Dutch regained control of Papua after World War II and relocated the capital from Hollandia (now Jayapura) to an area they named Kota NICA. During this period, the Dutch established three vocational schools: the Agricultural School, the Livestock School, and the Forestry School. These schools were designed to educate indigenous Papuan children with all educational costs fully covered by the Dutch government. Students were even provided with dormitories and monthly stipends, ranging from 10 guilders for first-year students to 30 guilders for third-year students.

The three schools used Dutch as the language of instruction and adopted a curriculum combining two years of theory with one year of practical training. However, these schools were closed in 1962 after the Dutch handed over authority over Papua to the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) through the New York Agreement. This agreement marked the transition of Papua into Indonesian governance.

Over time, Kampung Harapan has remained a vital symbol in the history of education and civilization in Papua. Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation sees the importance of continuing this legacy by making a tangible contribution through the Free Computer Training program. This training is designed to address community needs in the digital era while providing access to knowledge that can improve living standards.

The opening of the Bengkel Kerja Papua Service Year 2025 coincides with significant moments in Papua’s history. This year, the people of Papua will commemorate two major milestones: the 170th Anniversary of the Gospel Mission in Papua (February 5, 1855 – February 5, 2025) and the 100th Anniversary of Papuan Civilization (October 25, 1925 – October 25, 2025). These anniversaries serve as reminders of Papua's long journey in building a civilization founded on faith and knowledge.

In her remarks, Rev. Dessy Matatula encouraged all participants to engage in the training with enthusiasm and commitment. She emphasized that this training is not only intended to enhance skills but also serves as an act of service to the people of Papua. Chairperson of the Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation, Merlin Rumbarar, added that this program is expected to be the first step in opening more opportunities for the people of Papua in the field of information technology.

The Free Computer Training program is a testament to the Bengkel Kerja Papua Foundation’s commitment to empowering Papuan communities. With strong service values and support from various parties, this program is expected to create a lasting positive impact, particularly in Kampung Harapan, Sentani. The Makanwai Valley, home to Kampung Harapan, once again stands witness to the continuous efforts to build the civilization of the Papuan people.