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Home > HCAS > HCAS_PUBS > HCAS_JOURNALS > TQR Home > TQR > Vol. 31 > No. 2 (2026)

 

Abstract

This study seeks to address the persistent challenge of low literacy rates among Papuan primary school children by answering the research question: What factors hinder literacy development, and how can a holistic learning model improve literacy outcomes in this context? Conducted in Keerom and South Manokwari Regencies, the research adopts a qualitative approach to design an inclusive and effective learning model. The study involved a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging primary school students, educators (teachers and principals), parents, community leaders (village heads, religious leaders, and traditional leaders), government officials (education office and local government), legislative representatives (DPRD members), and academic experts from universities. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and participant observation. The findings led to the development of a comprehensive learning model characterized by: (a) the integration of local food-based breakfasts within the school environment; (b) a curriculum focused on enhancing basic literacy skills using contextually relevant and functional learning materials; (c) the adoption of flexible and context-adaptive instructional methods and media; (d) assessments aimed at measuring literacy skill development; and (e) fostering collaborative partnerships among educators, families, and the local community. The phased and sustainable implementation strategy emphasizes stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term success.

Keywords

literacy, learning models, Papua, indigenous Papuans, primary education, qualitative, constructivist

Author Bio(s)

E. Oos M. Anwas (ORCID: 0000-0001-6424-0570) is a Research Professor at the Research Center for Education, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Republic of Indonesia. His research focuses on educational technology, including the design of instructional models and media; education for indigenous and remote communities; the development and evaluation of school textbooks for students and teachers; deeper-learning approaches; and the educational applications of artificial intelligence. He also studies community extension and empowerment and poverty alleviation, particularly through education. Correspondence: ence002@brin.go.id

Anggi Afriansyah (ORCID: 0000-0002-3416-3380) is a researcher at the Research Center for Population, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia. His research focuses on the sociology of education, youth, human capital, and population studies. He has co-authored works on educational reform and policy, including Kampus Merdeka: Indonesia’s Once-in-a-generation Response to Educational Reform (2024) and Pancasila and Kampus Merdeka: Striking the Right Balance (2024). His recent chapter, “The Strategies of Indigenous Community in Dealing with the Pandemic” (2025), appears in The Impact of the Pandemic on Indigenous People in Indonesia: Socio-Demographic Perspectives after COVID-19 (Springer). Please direct correspondence to angg017@brin.go.id.

Mohammad Mulyadi is a Research Professor of Political Sociology at the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). His academic contributions span political sociology, research methodology, and public policy. He serves as an active examiner for the Researcher Competency Certification Examination administered by TIFA International Indonesian Research. Prof. Mulyadi is a prolific author of scholarly books and articles, particularly in the field of research methodology. His widely cited works include: Quantitative and Qualitative Research and the Practice of Combining Them in Social Research (2010); Quantitative and Qualitative Research and Basic Thinking in Combining Them (2011); Practical Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative (2013); Qualitative Research: Understanding the Qualitative Research Process (2020).

Dwi Purwoko (ORCID: 0000-0002-4428-9761) is a Research Professor at the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).  He graduated from IPB University with a Doctorate in Development Extension Studies in 2007. Now he is studying religion, society and social change. The latest publication is Investigating the role of digital transformation and digital innovation on school performance published International Journal of Data and Network Science 2024. This research aims to analyze the relationship between digital transformation and school performance.  Please direct  correspondence my email d_purwoko2003@yahoo.com

Zulfikri Anas is a lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Open University, Indonesia. His research interests include curriculum studies and learning. He is the author of School for Life (2013), Curriculum for Life (2013), Teachers for Life (2019), and The Paradigm of Humanistic Education (with Zaim Uchrowi, 2024). In addition, he has published numerous opinion articles on curriculum, learning, and education in Republika and other national media outlets.

Virgiawan Listanto (ORCID 0000-0002-1959-3526) is a senior researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia. With a focus on teaching practices and experimental studies, Virgiawan is on a mission to revolutionize classroom learning. His current research focuses on integrating educational technology and pedagogical innovation to optimize student learning outcomes, including: Mobile-mediated dynamic assessment to enhance students’ ESP writing skills (2025) and Which is Better: E-Book or Printed Book? A Meta-Analysis of Educational Materials in Language Learning (2025). Please direct correspondence to virgiawan.listanto@brin.go.id

Dini Dwi Kusumaningrum (ORCID 0000-0002-8875-1110) is a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Universitas Indonesia and pursued a master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership at the State University of New York. Her research interests center on education development, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Prior to joining BRIN, she had been actively engaged in studies and initiatives addressing educational inequality. Her previous publications have explored themes such as women’s education and human capital development, reflecting her commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable education policies.

Fikri Muslim (ORCID 0000-0002-7075-4700) is a researcher at Research Center for Population - National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). He got his bachelor's degree from Regional Development Department, Faculty of Geography, University of Gajahmada (UGM) in 2009 and the following Master's degree from Population Studies, University of Gajahmada (UGM) in 2017. He can be reached through fikri.muslim@brin.go.id. His research focuses on human capital studies, youth studies, population policy, education policy, and regional development studies. Some of his research and publication experiences relevant to education and employment issues are Expanding Access to and Participation in Employment Social Security to Support Population Productivity (2019), Management of Vocational School of Fishery and Marine Based on Local, National, and Global Needs (2020), Informal Sector Workers' Income and Access To Social Security In Indonesia (2022), Challenges and Strategies for Development of Fishery Training and Counseling in Ambon, Maluku Province (2022), Model of Inclusive Education in Strengthening Affirmative Policies for Indigenous Papuans (2023) and Pancasila and Kampus Merdeka: Striking the Right Balance (2024).

Dayu Rifanto (ORCID 0000-0003-1852-1325) is a doctoral student in the Department of Community Education at the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung. Born and raised in Papua, and residing in Sorong. He has been actively involved in organizing, writing, and conducting research on issues related to literacy, children's literacy, youth, and community education. He founded and manages several youth initiatives in Sorong and has authored 31 books and published seven research papers on literacy and community education issues. For correspondence, please contact dayurifanto@upi.edu or dayurifanto@gmail.com

Acknowledgements

The research team would like to thank the Centre for Curriculum and Learning, Ministry of Education and Culture for sponsoring this research activity. On this occasion the research team also expressed their gratitude for the assistance and cooperation of informants in Keerom district, Papua Province and South Manokrawi district, West Papua Province.

Publication Date

2-15-2026

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2026.7135

ORCID ID

E. Oos M. Anwas (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6424-0570) Prof. Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, ence002@brin.go.id Anggi Afriansyah (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3416-3380) Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, angg017@brin.go.id Mohammad Mulyadi (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8607-0821) Prof. Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, moha078@brin.go.id Dwi Purwoko (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4428-9761) Prof. Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, dwip002@brin.go.id Zulfikri Anas Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, Jakarta, Indonesia, fikrieanas01@gmail.com Virgiawan Listanto (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1959-3526) Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, virg002@brin.go.id Dini Dwi Kusumaningrum (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8875-1110) Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, dini014@brin.go.id Fikri Muslim (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7075-4700) Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia, fikr002@brin.go.id Dayu Rifanto (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1852-132) Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia, dayurifanto@upi.edu

ResearcherID

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