Teachers in Wamena Endure Trauma to Start School Again

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An elementary school teacher in Wamena, Jayapura, Papua, admitted to needing more time to overcome her deeply scarred trauma following the Wamena riots before returning to routine teaching activities this Monday. 

“But because it’s my job and responsibility [I endure the trauma], I'm actually not prepared to teach due to trauma,” said Damaris who decided to take refuge at the Jayawijaya/1702 military command (Kodim) on Sunday, October 6. 

The Torajan woman who has taught at the elementary since 2005 said she will always be ready to teach again for the sake of the children’s future. 

Jayawijaya Regent, John Richard Banua said that he has communicated with school headmasters and teachers in the region to kickstart school again starting this Monday. 

“School activities must go on,” said John in a press conference on Wednesday, October 2. 

John claims the conditions in Wamena continue to improve despite many people, who are taking refuge, still refusing to return home due to the lack of electricity. 

As for the physical developments in Wamena, the government together with the National Police and Armed Forces personnel, in conjunction with locals have cleaned up the mess that was left by the riots. Authorities also claim many people are starting to open their businesses and are starting to use the public streets again to conduct daily activities. 

ESTER ARLIN K. | EGI ADYATAMA | ANTARA | HALIDA BUNGA