West Papuan Students’ Responses to Educational and Economic Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This chapter paints a portrait of the interrelated pressures facing West Papuan students undertaking online learning while facing the strains on their livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the impacts of the local government’s health policy of increased social restrictions and educational institutions’ termination of face-to-face learning interactions for West Papuan students. Nine indigenous students enrolled at the public university shared their learning and economic challenges through phone interviews during the university closure. The chapter concludes that students have difficulties in adapting to new learning methods, the lack of learning facilities and support, and challenges from unclear communication of their learning activities. Students were also challenged by economic issues and the impacts of the pandemic on their families, communities, and regional development. Besides the efforts the students themselves made, the government, the university, and the church have all contributed to reducing these challenges. Communal gardening was considered the best way to solve their economic challenges during their online learning activities.