Banten Free School Programme Claimed to Boost Student Interest in Private Schools

The Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, visited SMA PGRI 56 Ciputat in South Tangerang on Tuesday (2/6/2026) to inspect the distribution of the Free School Programme (PSG) for private schools. The Principal of SMA PGRI 56 Ciputat, Buyung Tarmidzi, noted that the programme initiated by Andra Soni has boosted interest in the school.

“Before the programme existed, the number of students enrolling here was lower, at around 60 students. However, after the introduction of the PSG last year, the number increased to 90 students for Grade X. Our total student population, including Grade XI, has now reached 146 people,” said Buyung on Tuesday.

Buyung added that the increase in students consists of prospective pupils who could not be accommodated in SMAN 1 and SMAN 5 Ciputat. He expressed optimism that the expansion of the PSG in its second year, which now targets Grade XI, will motivate educators to enhance their professional teaching standards, ultimately ensuring the quality of private schools becomes equal to that of state schools.

Andra Soni stated that through this programme, private schools will no longer face obstacles regarding student quotas and tuition fees. Schools that have entered into partnerships with the government now have certainty regarding funding from the Banten Provincial Government. Furthermore, the increase in student numbers will automatically raise the amount of School Operational Assistance (BOS) received. The Governor expressed his hope that these funds could be used to complete school facilities and infrastructure, as well as to improve the welfare of teachers.

Andra emphasised that the Free School Programme is an effort by the Banten Provincial Government to provide equitable and even basic educational services for all citizens. He acknowledged that education is a fundamental necessity that the government must fulfil to produce a superior and competitive generation. “The Free School Programme is here to provide equitable and even basic educational services for the people of Banten,” he said.