In the mountains of Rwanda, far from the crashing waves of Papua, Jerry Oliver Simunapendi gazed at a different sky. Yet one thing remained unchanged: his longing for home, and his determination to return with something valuable. He knew that distance does not sever one's identity. In fact, distance often helps one understand more clearly why they live and to whom they must return.

Jerry’s journey did not start on a grand stage. It began with an opportunity that, for some, might seem simple: the APCEP program. But for Jerry, APCEP was a turning point—more than just about learning, it was about being shaped. He learned in an environment that taught discipline, gratitude, the courage to try, and sincerity in service. He saw how advice, care, and small role models from good people could foster a strong mindset. From there, Jerry learned a lesson seldom taught: character is built by consistent good habits, not by motivation that comes occasionally.

Upon returning to Papua, he didn’t choose the most comfortable life. He chose the most meaningful one. He joined an environmental movement and led Papua Trada Sampah (PTS Nabire). He and his community worked without much spotlight—encouraging people to care about waste, moving tons of plastic, even when there were no enticing incentives. He continued because he believed: if we don't take care of this land, future generations will inherit heavier problems.

Of all the things he did, Jerry loved one thing most: planting trees. One tree is a hope entrusted to the future. A thousand trees are a strong message that Papuan youth can love their land through action, not just words. He didn’t wait for everything to be perfect; he didn’t wait for others to start first. He started with what he could, and he repeated it until it became impactful.

In 2025, Jerry was selected to participate in the Singapore–Indonesia Youth Leaders Exchange Programme (SIYLEP). He stood in that forum not to prove that he was the best, but to bring the name of his hometown with dignity. He understood that such an opportunity was not just a personal achievement; it was a trust. And he knew he wouldn’t have made it there without the doors first opened by those who had believed in a Papuan child.

Now, as a volunteer in Africa, Jerry continues to learn methods of environmental restoration. He is studying how Rwanda takes care of its land, how collective discipline can change the state of the environment, and how restoration doesn’t happen in a day. All these lessons he keeps, not to tell a travel story, but to bring them home.

Then, another piece of news came: Jerry was selected to receive the International Blue Economist Certification Training Course (IBECTC) Batch 12, a professional certification program on “Blue Economy”—how the oceans can remain healthy while the economy continues to grow. Out of hundreds of applicants, only a few young people were selected. For Jerry, this is not just a title, but a preparation for Papua, especially the coastal communities of Teluk Cenderawasih that he cares for deeply.

Jerry’s story is a reflection for the Pearl of Papua Generation. That we are not lacking in talent. What is often lacking is just one thing: the courage to start and the perseverance to endure. Don’t wait for confidence to come before stepping forward—often, confidence comes after we dare to take the first step. Don’t wait for the ideal conditions to move—those who move in difficult circumstances are often the ones who pave the way.

If today you feel small, remember this: the world is not waiting for you to be ready. The world is moving. But you can choose to move too—with learning, with serving, with consistency. Papua does not only need smart people. Papua needs people who are willing to stand when tired, remain caring when silent, and return with solutions.

Jerry Oliver Simunapendi shows one simple but valuable truth: no matter how far you go, if your goal is to return and build, your steps are never in vain.