Andra Soni Reveals Banten Provincial Government to Offer Free Education at 801 Private Schools

Andra stated that the number of public upper secondary schools is only 271, with each class accommodating just 36 students, insufficient to absorb all SMP graduates each year. Therefore, starting in 2025, the Banten Provincial Government has introduced a free school programme for SMA, SMK, and SKh, funded from the Banten Regional Budget. “In the first year, we are targeting Year 10 with 6,705 beneficiaries from 801 private schools cooperating with us, the highest number compared to other regions,” said Andra in Tangerang City on Saturday (9/1/2025). For 2026, Andra mentioned that the free school programme will be expanded to include private Madrasah Aliyah. “Then this year, we will develop it to Madrasah Aliyah schools,” he said. He emphasised that free education is part of the province’s strategic programme. The hope is that this programme can provide equitable educational access to all students in Banten. “With this programme, I am confident it can improve our human resources, in line with the fourth Asta Cita of President Prabowo Subianto, which is to enhance the quality of Indonesian people,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti said that the free private school programme could be implemented in other regions. According to him, this programme can help reduce dropout rates. “Although based on research, economic factors are not the only reason children drop out of school; there are other reasons such as distant locations, local culture, and others,” said Abdul Mu’ti. According to Mu’ti, his ministry is currently implementing learning not only in schools but also at Community Learning Activity Centres (PKBM) with various facilities and infrastructure. “Therefore, once again, I appreciate the Free School Programme initiated by the Banten Provincial Government,” he added.