Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua (UM Papua) officially launched the Master Program of Communication Science based on the decree of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Number 277/E/O/2022. In the launching, the submission of the ministerial decree was from Higher Education Service Institute (LLDikti) Regional XIV Papua and West Papua, Dr. Suriel Mofu, S.Pd., M.Ed. TEFL, M. Phil, to the Rector of UM Papua, Prof. Dr. H. R. Partino, M.Pd in Suni Hotel, Abepura, Monday (23/05).

UM Papua currently established a Master Program of Communication Science with three concentrations, including Public Relations, Political Communication, and Development Communication and Extension. “The Master program of Communication Science becomes the first and the only program in Papua. After the launch, we are ready to open student enrollment. UM Papua also has Bachelor programs with six study programs, comprising Communication, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Psychology, Law and Environmental Science,” he said.

Dr. Suriel Mofu expected that UM Papua could lead in Communication Science, especially in Papua. “We need experts in communication that can provide breakthroughs in communication issues. The experts from Unmuh Papua can bring assurances in various job fields, especially in information assurance,” he said.

Paskalis Netep, SH, the Expert Staff for Papua Indigenous People and Culture Development, delivered remarks as Papua Governor representatives, mentioning UM Papua has contributed to Papua development, especially in education. Unmuh Papua, previously STIKOM, focused on Communication Science, undoubtedly becomes necessary for broader communities. Particularly, Papua is still developing and keeps improving to be independent and prosper. “We invite all academic civitas to contribute to supporting the government to develop every aspect of life. We always want to keep Papua safe and encourage not to believe in provocation by information that instigates us,” he added.