Allegations of Mandatory Laptops for Junior High Students in Sleman Spark Concern; Deputy Regent Expresses Shock

Social media posts have recently circulated alleging that a state junior high school in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, is mandating that all new students own a laptop for their studies. Furthermore, it is claimed that students unable to purchase a laptop would be placed in a separate class and excluded from lessons requiring such devices.

‘I want to speak up. In a state junior high school in Sleman, parents were gathered and informed that all new students must have a laptop within a month. Parents were asked about their ability to purchase one, and those unable or unwilling to do so would have their children grouped into a single class. About a quarter of the parents cannot afford it. This means three classes will have laptops, while one class will consist solely of students without them,’ wrote a caption on the Instagram account @merapi_uncover, as reported on Monday (27/07/2026).

‘The issue is not about providing priority access to computer labs; rather, those without laptops will not be taught IT subjects that require them. Is this how learning works now? Does this not create discrimination from an early age?’ the post continued.

Regarding this matter, the Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa, admitted to being shocked by the alleged policy. He ensured that the Sleman Regency Government would investigate and evaluate the rule regarding the mandatory laptop requirement.

‘We will evaluate this. I was also shocked by the information regarding this requirement. Where did this policy originate? I have not met with the Head of Department today, but we will evaluate it,’ he stated when interviewed by journalists.

Danang noted the need to first verify the origin and legal basis of the rule, questioning whether the mandate truly stems from the government or is an independent policy implemented by the school itself.

‘We want to see if this rule is mandatory or not. If it is mandatory, what is the basis? We must untangle this,’ he said.

He emphasised that while an evaluation will be conducted, the Regency Government will first scrutinise the underlying regulations. He noted that if laptops are required for learning, the government must consider the community’s ability to provide such devices. Furthermore, he stressed that education is a fundamental right of every citizen and its implementation must adhere to the principle of justice.

‘I will first examine where this rule comes from and who is mandating it, because as of today, the government does not require it,’ he remarked.

‘If it is mandated, despite regulations stating that all education in Indonesia is free, then the question is: will the government provide them? If the government provides them, there is no issue with a mandate. But if not, it is a hardship for those who cannot afford it. This is why justice must be upheld,’ Danang added.

He reaffirmed that the Sleman Regency Government is paying close attention to the issue, as education is a basic necessity. He maintained that access to education must be available to all citizens regardless of economic status.

‘It will certainly be a priority, regardless of the issue. One of the essential needs of society today is education, and by law, education is a right for every citizen living in Indonesia,’ he concluded.