On October 25, 2024, 478 people, consisting of teachers, guests, and students, witnessed the special moment of the inauguration of the new building at Le Cocq d’Armandville College. Not only was the inauguration of the new building but this event was also held at the peak of the “Ajang Kreativitas Adhi Luhur” (AKAL)—Creativity Event of Adi Luhur. AKAL is a routine biennial activity that aims to channel the talents and creativity of students at the Jesuit College in the eastern tip of Indonesia.

“With Perseverance, We Grow Together” is the theme of the building’s inauguration and AKAL’s event. This theme reflects the spirit of togetherness and hard work that are the foundation of shared success. This perseverance is reflected in various aspects of the event, from the colossal dancers diligently practicing to the committee preparing everything for the past month.

Special Guest

This year’s AKAL was attended by some special guests, including the Provincial of the Society of Jesus of the Indonesian Province, representatives of the Jesuit College Alumni Association (PAKJ), Regional Officials, Members of the MRP (Papuan People’s Assembly), Representatives of the PSW YPPK (Regional School Management of the Catholic Education and School Foundation) and the Head of the Population and Civil Registry Service of Central Papua Province.

The event opened with the Eucharist led by the Father Provincial, which was followed by the blessing of the new building. After the blessing, the Father Provincial, the Rector of Le Cocq College, Representatives of the Provincial Government, and Mr. Matheus, Deputy Chairman II of the Papuan People’s Assembly, cut the ribbon as a sign that the building was officially established.

In his speech, the chairman of the AKAL Committee, Elvin Sampary Giyai, explained the meaning of the theme “With Perseverance, We Grow Together.” The procession continued with the national anthems Indonesia Raya and Tanah Papua. There were also special performances, starting with a monologue by Stifani Semboor, a solo instrument by Rika Rinanti Radja, and a colossal dance.

Collaborative Work

Several parties also delivered important remarks. In his remarks, Father Johanes Sudrijanta, SJ, the Rector of Le Cocq College and the YPPK Board of Directors, told the story of the ups and downs of the construction of the main building, which took almost two years.

Father Sudri said that behind the most magnificent construction in Nabire, there was a central figure who contributed ideas, concepts, and even materials, namely Mr. Frans. He is an architect who once studied at Loyola College, Semarang. Thanks to him, the construction budget, estimated to reach 15 billion, could be cut to 11 billion without reducing its quality and function.

When interviewed, Mr. Frans said that this building was designed by applying building physics to maintain quality and safety so that it is earthquake-resistant. Given that Nabire is an earthquake area that makes no buildings more than two floors at this Cendrawasih gate. Mr. Frans added, “The outer walls of this building are designed using solid glass blocks to reduce the risk, but the function of the glass is taken over by small holes as ventilation to maintain air quality.”

Hope

Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, SJ, Provincial of the Society of Jesus of the Indonesian Province, said that this new building is expected to bring a new spirit and passion to the extended family of Le Cocq College so that it can provide quality educational services in Papua in general and Central Papua in particular. This magnificent and sturdy building is expected to be used optimally to develop students’ abilities in all fields.

The head of the Central Papua Provincial Education Office, Mrs. Rita Dessy Fauziah Ananda, ST, as the representative of the Acting Governor of Central Papua, said in her speech that the inauguration of the Main Building is proof of the seriousness of Le Cocq College as one of the best Catholic schools in Papua to participate in providing access to quality education for the sons and daughters of Papua.

Ms. Dessy appreciated the efforts and hard work of the Jesuits and teaching staff at Le Cocq College, who continue to strive to provide quality education in this city. She added that the government will always support the various efforts and good intentions of the managers and implementers of this school, both in the form of moral and material support, so that it continues to develop and produce quality graduates.

Colossal Dance

The peak event of the Inauguration of the Main Building and AKAL 2024 was closed with a colossal dance. Around 95 dancers presented six different dances. First, the Hati Su Tatinggal di Papua Dance. This illustrates how beautiful Nabire’s diversity is and is also an expression of gratitude for the beauty of the ancestral land, from the mountains to the coast.

Second, Orsa Modao. This is a song from Napan that means “Good Day.” The third is Waita. In this dance, we express our gratitude for peace through the stone-burning procession.

Fourth, the Kecak Sanghyang Dedari dance is inspired by the story of the meeting between Hanoman and Arjuna. Through this dance, we hope that by always involving God, especially in this event, the new building of Le Cocq College in Papua will become sturdy and functional.

The fifth, the Pangkur Sagu dance, depicts the activities of the Papuan people when preparing to harvest Sago. This dance depicts the intention of students to enter the world of education and find a source of livelihood.

Lastly, the Wi Sisi Social Dance. This dance is performed in masses in mountainous regions and originates from the Dani tribe. This dance is an expression of hope that the sense of gratitude and intention to gather provisions for the future for the younger generation can be transmitted to everyone.

Growing Together

In the end, this event is expected to be a new passion for the entire extended family of Le Cocq d’Armandville College. The perseverance, hard work, and sacrifices of all parties, including the committee, the dancers, and all parties, are expected to grow every individual in it.

Contributor: AKAL 2024 Documentation Team