PTFI Scholarship Recipient Becomes First Female Doctor from Amungme Tribe

February 20, 2025 - Sephia Chrisilla Jangkup always dreamed of being a doctor.

With the help of PT Freeport Indonesia’s Education Scholarship program, Jangkup not only realized her dream, but became the first female member of the Amungme Tribe to do so after finishing her studies at Indonesian Christian University.

“Sephia is a concrete example of how educational support can transform the lives of individuals and communities,” said Claus Wamafma, Director and Executive Vice President of Sustainable Development at PTFI.

In addition to helping individuals like Jangkup achieve their professional goals, providing support to students from the Amungme and Kamoro Tribes pursuing medical degrees helps improve healthcare access in the Mimika Regency, Wamafma said.

“The presence of doctors from local tribes is crucial in understanding the culture and needs of the local community, making healthcare services more effective and relevant,” said Wamafma, who attended Jangkup’s recent graduation ceremony.

Jangkup is one of thousands of recipients of the Educational Scholarship. Managed by the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK), the scholarship is part of PTFI’s commitment to help improve the quality of life around its operational areas, particularly in the Mimika Regency. Through 2024, the scholarship program has helped more than 4,000 students pursuing various levels of high education.

In addition to its support in providing scholarships, the YPMAK foundation also manages six dormitories for Papuan children, housing a total of 1,695 students in 2024.

YPMAK manages PTFI’s Partnership Fund for Papuans from the Amungme and Kamoro tribes and other Indigenous Papuan communities. The foundation was established to support the government in creating a healthy, educated community that can compete in the modern economic system while preserving natural resources, culture and heritage of Indigenous Papuans. The Binterbusih Foundation, an organization that aims to improve education and leadership in Papua, also provided financial support for Jangkup’s education.

With her education complete, Jangkup’s goal is to serve the community in her hometown of Aroanop.

“Since childhood, I have firmly held onto the belief that I must become a doctor in the future,” Jangkup said. “I am grateful to PT Freeport Indonesia, YPMAK and the Binterbusih Foundation for this scholarship support. My childhood dream of becoming a doctor has come true.”

 

Photos (top to bottom): Dr. Sephia Chrisilla Jangkup from the Amungme Tribe was a recipient of PTFI’s Educational Scholarship through the YPMAK foundation; Dr. Sephia Chrisilla Jangkup (front row, far right) celebrates with fellow students during the Doctor’s Oath ceremony at Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University.