Do you know any researchers from Papua who have achievements, even at the international level? This time, EcoNusa wants to invite you to get to know 2 physics scientists from Papua. Because they have excelled since they were in school, these two people also had the opportunity to continue their studies abroad on scholarships and become researchers. Are you curious about who they are? Come on, read this article to immediately see the inspiring story of these two scientists!

1. Yane Oktovina Ansanay

Born and raised in Jayapura, Yane Oktovina Ansanay is the first female physics doctor from Papua. He succeeded in obtaining a doctorate in Physics from North Carolina State University in 2015. Previously, he also studied for a master’s degree at the same university and a bachelor’s degree at Pelita Harapan University, Jakarta. His achievements in the field of physics have been visible since he was still at school. In 2003, he successfully passed the selection to study under the guidance of physicist Professor Yohanes Surya at the Surya Institute. This school is specifically for children with natural talent in the field of physics to then be prepared to take part in the International Physics Olympiad.

Interestingly, Yane’s reason for pursuing applied physics, especially new and renewable energy, was based on his love for the land of Papua. He said that until now in Papua there are still villages that do not have electricity. The government’s electricity distribution program sometimes faces obstacles because Papua’s topography tends to be hilly. Therefore, he feels that there is a need to use alternative energy that is more suited to Papua’s natural conditions. Moreover, in Papua itself it turns out there are many natural materials that can actually be converted into renewable energy.

Currently, Yane is actively conducting research and teaching in the field of science and technology at Cenderawasih University. Not only that, he is also the founder of the Inspirational Young Papuan Movement, which aims to be a forum for outstanding young people from Papua from various scientific disciplines to exchange ideas with each other. Even though he has achieved a lot, Yane still continues to struggle to pursue his other dreams, such as building an integrated science and technology research center in Papua.

2. Septinus George Saa

Since he was still in school, Septinus George Saa has been known as an intelligent student, especially in the field of physics. In 2004, when he was still a student at SMAN 3 Jayapura, Papua, George won the First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics competition. This victory was achieved thanks to his scientific paper entitled Infinite Triangle and Hexagonal Lattice Networks of Identical Resistors or the Formula for Calculating the Resistance between Two Points of a Resistor Series. It didn’t stop there, in 2006 he also presented the results of his research in front of physical scientists in Poland to prove that it was really the result of his thinking.

Thanks to this achievement, George received a number of scholarship offers to continue his studies at university. He then decided to take a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in materials engineering at the University of Birmingham, England. Even though he studied abroad for a long time, George always said that he would return to Papua to share his knowledge with more people and help develop his homeland.

Wow, these two scientists from Papua are really extraordinary! If you are interested in following in the footsteps of Sis Yane and Sis George, you can start by continuing to study diligently and reading lots of books. Apart from that, you can also start doing research on a problem that you think is interesting to solve and discuss. To support young Papuans who are interested in becoming researchers or scientists, the EcoNusa Foundation has also held a Young Papuan Scientist program, you know! Through this program, prospective great scientists will be provided with a series of training to prepare for research, receive direct guidance from experts, and get the opportunity to publish the results of their research. Very interesting, yes! Who is interested in becoming a scientist too?

Author: JS

Travel Vlogger, Journalist,