For many people, access to reading materials is not something they need to worry about. However, this remains a real challenge for children in Papua. Limited access to children’s books not only restricts the learning process but also affects the Human Development Index (HDI) of the surrounding community. According to Statistics Indonesia data from 2025, Papua still has the lowest HDI in the country. This is where collaboration between Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), Bina Nusantara University (BINUS), Jakarta International University (JIU), and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) plays a role in addressing the challenge.
A total of 1,980 children’s storybooks were printed and distributed to 45 Rumah Baca (reading houses) in Papua. WVI facilitated the printing process and the distribution of books to the assisted Rumah Baca. The stories in these books are not about unfamiliar things, but about hipere found in home kitchens, the mambruk bird, and many aspects of everyday life for children in Papua. These remarkable stories were written by local educators and illustrated by university students under the guidance of lecturers from BINUS, JIU, and UPH.
These books were created with local context so that children can relate to the stories. Not only through the text, but also through illustrations that reflect familiar figures—children wearing traditional Papuan clothing, honai houses, and warm smiles. This is why the children looked so happy when they received the books. Providing these reading materials not only helps children learn to read but also teaches them that their lives are valuable.
To make the stories engaging for children, illustrations play a key role. This is where students from BINUS, JIU, and UPH contributed. It was not easy for the students to balance their studies with volunteering as illustrators. They also had to learn about honai houses, hipere, and other aspects of Papuan culture. Some illustrations even required weeks of revisions to ensure accuracy. The result is not only visually strong, but also warm and relatable for children in Papua.
This meaningful collaboration between WVI and educational institutions such as BINUS, JIU, and UPH has provided important support for children in Papua. Now, children can enjoy engaging, contextually relevant books at their Rumah Baca. Their literacy journey is becoming richer. The books they hold are proof that the stories of Papuan children deserve to be written, illustrated, and read.
Author: Junika Gozal (Business Development Specialist), Asteria Aritonang (Resource Development and Communications Director)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)