Bandung City Government Allocates Rp36.3 Billion for Students at Risk of Dropping Out

The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has allocated a budget of Rp36.3 billion to support the education assistance programme for students categorised as Rawan Melanjutkan Pendidikan (RMP) in 2026, as part of efforts to guarantee access to education for underprivileged residents. Head of the Bandung City Education Office Asep Saeful Gufron stated that the programme represents the local government’s commitment to ensuring all school-age children can access education, whether in state or private schools. “This RMP programme is Pemkot Bandung’s commitment to education services. Underprivileged residents are still given the opportunity to receive the same education, both in public and private schools,” Asep said in Bandung on Monday. He noted that the Rp36.3 billion budget has been disbursed to 191 schools, covering a total of 17,775 primary and junior high school students as of May 2026. The funds are used to cover Sumbangan Pembinaan Pendidikan (SPP) and Dana Pengembangan Sekolah (DSP) fees for RMP students attending private schools. “Parents need not worry; those who qualify through the RMP affirmation pathway in private schools will receive operational assistance to replace SPP and DSP fees during their time at the school,” he explained. Asep added that new junior high school students who apply through the RMP affirmation pathway but are not accepted at any of their four chosen schools still have the opportunity to select a private school where the RMP quota remains available after the first stage of the New Student Admission (SPMB) announcement. The operational assistance is provided for one year and can be extended the following year, provided the student remains registered in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) system or falls under the RMP category. “The main goal is to continue education, whether in public or private schools. Our commitment is to realise equitable and quality education development and to ease the burden of education costs for RMP students,” Asep stated. He expressed hope that this education assistance programme would prevent any school-age children from dropping out due to economic hardship, while also supporting equal access to education throughout Bandung City.