“Our fate can only be changed by ourselves,” said Grayce Roossiler Windesi (24 years old) and his colleague Safria Samual (25 years old) during an interview with ABC Radio, both alumni of Jayapura University of Science and Technology (USTJ) to conduct internships at the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin in August 2017.
It started from a Public Lecture by Indonesian Consul in Darwin, Mr. Andre Omer Siregar, in the Department of International Relations of USTJ in October 2015, Grayce Windesi had the opportunity to directly talk with the Consul at the end of the event. On the occasion, Grayce got an offer to do an apprenticeship in Indonesian Consulate in Darwin to further enhance her knowledge. Grayce then responded to the challenge and with his partner Safria flew to Darwin in early August 2017.
During one month, both of them participated in various activities held in Indonesian Consulate in Darwin, among others, participated in various activities of the 72nd anniversary of Independence of Indonesia, including as a flag ceremony officer, cultural performers in Diplomatic Reception as well as being a participant in the Independence Day karaoke competition, where Safria became the First Winne, and Grace became the Second Winner.
One of the highlights during their activities in Darwin, is the opportunity to conduct interviews with ABC Radio. In the event, both were asked to share their experiences while in Darwin and what contributions they could make in their area later. Answering the question, both said that they intend to encourage young people in Papua to improve their capacity in order to build a better Papua.
The deepest impression is felt by them as they see firsthand the life of the Aborigines in Darwin. Aboriginal people who regularly receive life allowances from the Australian Government, continue to live a harsh life among other Australians. Although Aboriginal communities have access to various facilities from the local government, their daily lifestyles that revolves around alcohol and violence cause most Aboriginal people in Northern Territory not to progress.
This is a reflection of Grayce and Safria who want to contribute more significantly to their environment to prevent the same thing happening to young Papuan children.
Grayce also said that as a young Papuan, she and her colleagues need to change their mindset to be more serious in taking advantage of opportunities in education because only with education, their fate can change. “Papuan children need to be more creative. We want to learn. If we want to move forward, we must try. Change will come from ourselves “said Grayce.
Young people of Papua must be optimistic about their future, as long as they have a strong will to make it happen. “At first I was not sure if we could, but we got here. So we can actually compete if we want to. Only we want it or not? “, Said Safria with enthusiasm.
During their stay in Darwin, the Indonesian Consul frequently encourage motivation to the two apprentices, to always be confident and not stop learning to build their area. The experience they get is expected to be shared with other young Papuan children and can be useful for their future. The Indonesian Consul also expressed hope that they will succeed in achieving their aspiration to become future Indonesian diplomats.
West Papua Now 