Manokwari, W Papua, Feb. 16 -- Committee III of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to re-verify data on school dropouts across Papua.

Chairman of Committee III, Filep Wamafma, said in Manokwari, West Papua, on Monday that updating and verifying the data is crucial to ensure accurate policymaking.

"The accuracy and validity of education data are vital to ensure it truly reflects actual conditions on the ground," he said.

He noted that figures presented by the Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Special Autonomy in January 2026 estimated the number of dropouts at 700,000, a significant increase compared with the ministry's 2024 data.

He stres...