8,846 State Primary School Seats Left Vacant in Ciamis During 2026 Admissions

The 2026 New Student Admission (SPMB) process in Ciamis Regency, West Java, has revealed a significant shortfall in primary school enrolment, leaving 8,846 seats vacant across state elementary schools. The most extreme case was recorded at SDN 2 Salakaria in Sukadana District, which registered only one new student.

Head of the Ciamis Education Office, Erwan Darmawan, stated that while the digital selection process ran smoothly, the occupancy rate for primary schools fell well short of the maximum target. The selection adhered to the main admission pathways: domicile, affirmation, achievement, and transfer.

"Based on data received by the Ciamis Education Office, out of a total capacity of 22,263 students, only 13,417 were accepted, representing approximately 60.27 per cent. This means 8,846 seats, or 40 per cent of state primary school quotas in Ciamis, remain unfilled," Erwan Darmawan said on Sunday.

He explained that of the 733 state primary schools in Ciamis that opened registration, there were 13,446 applicants, with 13,417 students passing verification and being accepted. He acknowledged that the low occupancy rate in several schools would serve as material for an internal evaluation by his team.

The Education Office is committed to conducting the process transparently, objectively, and fairly. Fluctuations in applicant data are considered normal due to verification stages and changes in school choices by prospective students. Going forward, improvements to the digital system and expanded public education campaigns will be strengthened.

In contrast to the primary level, the occupancy rate at state junior high schools in Ciamis was higher. Out of 80 schools with a total capacity of 13,012 seats, 10,311 students, or 79.24 per cent, were filled. The remaining quota of 2,701 seats is spread across four educational units in the region.