Banten Governor Andra Soni has reaffirmed that the Free School\nprogramme is a top priority during his tenure alongside Deputy Governor\nAchmad Dimyati Natakusumah. The programme is designed to expand access\nto educational services for the community, particularly families facing\nfinancial constraints.<\/p>\n
Andra Soni made these remarks whilst attending a \u201cJoint Prayer for\nthe Nation and Assistance for 1,000 Orphaned Children\u201d event organised\nby the National Objective Strategic Intellectual Movement (BISON)\nIndonesia in Cipocok Jaya, Serang City, on Sunday (8 March 2026).<\/p>\n
\u201cI have encountered many children who are not attending school due to\nfinancial difficulties. Therefore, this Free School programme is our\neffort to fulfil the rights of these young people to access quality\neducational services,\u201d said Andra Soni before thousands of\nparticipants.<\/p>\n
Andra explained that the Free School programme for senior secondary\n(SMA), vocational secondary (SMK), and private Islamic schools (SKh) has\nbeen implemented in the 2025-2026 academic year. To date, 60,705\nstudents across 801 private schools throughout Banten Province have\nbenefited from the initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cParents no longer need to worry about school fees as they are\ncovered by the Banten Provincial Government,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Beyond fee exemptions at private schools, Banten has also established\nfour People\u2019s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) as part of President Prabowo\nSubianto\u2019s priority programme. These schools are located in Serang City\n(1 unit), Lebak Regency (2 units), and South Tangerang City (1 unit),\nand are specifically designated for children from low-income\nfamilies.<\/p>\n
During the event, Andra Soni also interacted with orphaned children\nregarding the Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG), ensuring that the\ninitiative has positively impacted students\u2019 enthusiasm for learning in\nthe classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us pray that President Prabowo remains in good health so that\nthis programme can continue to run,\u201d he said, drawing enthusiastic\nresponses from the children present.<\/p>\n
In closing his remarks, Andra emphasised that the education and\nhealth sectors are two inseparable pillars in building quality human\nresources in Banten.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf someone is educated, God willing, they can maintain their health.\nConversely, if someone is healthy, God willing, they can pursue\neducation to the fullest,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/banten-governor-andra-soni-reaffirms-free-school-programme-to-address-school-dropouts-1773034528", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }