Banten DPRD Member Says Free Private Schools Boost Human Development Index

Member of the Banten Provincial DPRD, Budi Prajogo, has stated that there is an increase in the Human Development Index (HDI) and Average Years of Schooling (AYS) in Banten Province in 2025. According to him, the free private SMA, SMK, and SKh school programme is one of the main factors behind this improvement.

It is known that Banten Province’s HDI in 2025 reached 77.25 points, an increase of 0.90 points or 1.18 percent compared to 2024, which stood at 76.35 points. The increase in Banten Province’s HDI in 2025 is supported by all its component dimensions. There are indicators that experienced accelerated growth compared to the previous year, namely Life Expectancy at 0.48 percent and Average Years of Schooling (AYS) at 3.58 percent.

“With the achievement of an HDI of 77.25, Banten not only surpasses the target but also demonstrates a direction of development that is increasingly inclusive and equitable,” said Budi Prajogo on Friday (17/4/2026).

According to him, Banten Governor Andra Soni and Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah have opened wider access to education for the community. The upper secondary private school free programme began in 2025, the early period of the Andra-Dimyati administration, and will continue this year.

“This programme directly reduces household cost burdens, so children from various economic backgrounds have equal opportunities to pursue education,” he said.

Budi also explained that the free school programme for SMA, SMK, and SKh has a positive impact, such as the Average Years of Schooling (AYS) in Banten in 2025 reaching around 9.38 years, up from 9.05 years in 2024.

“This increase of around 0.33 years is considered significant and shows that more residents are pursuing longer education,” he stated.

In addition, said Budi, this also impacts the Expected Years of Schooling (EYS), which has increased to around 13.5 years. This figure reflects the greater opportunities for the younger generation to access education up to higher levels.

“This increase is an important foundation in driving the quality of human resources, which is a main component in HDI calculations,” he added.