Papua students install first public information billboard in border villages

Remote villages along the PNG–Indonesia border have received their first community information billboards this week, thanks to final-year students from the International University of Papua.

The group, divided into five teams, is stationed in Wutung, Musu, Yako, Waramo and Lido after arriving over the weekend for a compulsory five-day community-based program. Their work includes not only classroom support at Lotei Primary School in Vanimo Village, Lido, but also direct community engagement across the border corridor.

The installation of the billboards marks a significant step for villages that often struggle with limited access to public information. Community leaders say the new boards will serve as central points for announcements, awareness campaigns, and essential updates for residents.

Throughout the week, the students are running educational activities, cultural exchanges and awareness sessions aimed at strengthening ties between the university and communities living along the border.

Village leaders and school officials have welcomed the initiative, saying it fills an important gap in communication services while giving university students valuable exposure to real-world community development work.