Banten Governor Andra Soni Reaffirms Free School Programme to Address School Dropouts

Banten Governor Andra Soni has reaffirmed that the Free School programme is a top priority during his tenure alongside Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah. The programme is designed to expand access to educational services for the community, particularly families facing financial constraints.

Andra Soni made these remarks whilst attending a “Joint Prayer for the Nation and Assistance for 1,000 Orphaned Children” event organised by the National Objective Strategic Intellectual Movement (BISON) Indonesia in Cipocok Jaya, Serang City, on Sunday (8 March 2026).

“I have encountered many children who are not attending school due to financial difficulties. Therefore, this Free School programme is our effort to fulfil the rights of these young people to access quality educational services,” said Andra Soni before thousands of participants.

Andra explained that the Free School programme for senior secondary (SMA), vocational secondary (SMK), and private Islamic schools (SKh) has been implemented in the 2025-2026 academic year. To date, 60,705 students across 801 private schools throughout Banten Province have benefited from the initiative.

“Parents no longer need to worry about school fees as they are covered by the Banten Provincial Government,” he added.

Beyond fee exemptions at private schools, Banten has also established four People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme. These schools are located in Serang City (1 unit), Lebak Regency (2 units), and South Tangerang City (1 unit), and are specifically designated for children from low-income families.

During the event, Andra Soni also interacted with orphaned children regarding the Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG), ensuring that the initiative has positively impacted students’ enthusiasm for learning in the classroom.

“Let us pray that President Prabowo remains in good health so that this programme can continue to run,” he said, drawing enthusiastic responses from the children present.

In closing his remarks, Andra emphasised that the education and health sectors are two inseparable pillars in building quality human resources in Banten.

“If someone is educated, God willing, they can maintain their health. Conversely, if someone is healthy, God willing, they can pursue education to the fullest,” he concluded.