MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TELUK BINTUNI – Muhammadiyah West Papua held the groundbreaking ceremony of Universitas Muhammadiyah Teluk Bintuni (UNIMUTU) on Tuesday, June 10.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Fauzan, attended the ceremony and showed his strong support for the UNIMUTU. He believed that his university would become a future hub for higher education and human resource development in eastern Indonesia.
Fauzan also expressed appreciation for the local government’s commitment to advancing education, including efforts to provide scholarships and build university facilities.
“The establishment of UNIMUTU is about not only the university construction but also a major investment in developing human resources in Papua,” said Fauzan.
Fauzan emphasized that universities should make a real impact, not only serving as places for academic study, but also contributing to community service and local development.
Fauzan, who previously served as Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, encouraged UNIMUTU to design a practical and efficient education system that fits the region’s needs. He said graduates should be prepared not only for employment but also to become entrepreneurs who can utilize the region’s potential.
Fauzan highlighted that study programs based on local strengths such as agribusiness and seafood processing technology are highly relevant and should be developed further.
“Indonesia doesn’t need more generalists. We need graduates with specific skills who match regional needs. Manage this university with a bold vision. Don’t do it halfway. Indonesia needs excellent human resources from Teluk Bintuni,” stressed Fauzan.
Local Government’s Commitment to Education
The launch of UNIMUTU received enthusiastic support from both the local people and the Teluk Bintuni Regency Government. Many residents called it the realization of a dream to have a university in their region.
As part of its support, the Teluk Bintuni government has launched the scholarship program “Beasiswa Teluk di Indonesia”. This initiative fully covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for indigenous Papuan students.
Teluk Bintuni Regent Yohanis Manibuy emphasized that the university’s development is a strategic investment in the region’s future.
“This is not just a construction project, but a long-term commitment to improving the quality of human resources. The local government is fully behind this effort, from providing land to funding education,” said Yohanis.
With this new initiative, Muhammadiyah continues to strengthen its role in expanding access to education and building a better future, especially in the remote areas of eastern Indonesia.
