Banten's Average Years of Schooling Rise as Free Private School Programme Expands Access
The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) for Banten Province has recorded several positive growth indicators for 2025, including an increase in the Human Development Index (HDI) and the average years of schooling. This growth is supported by the expansion of the Free School Programme, which targets private schools and has been operational since 2025. In its first year of implementation, approximately 801 private high schools, vocational schools (SMK), and special education schools (SKh) were included, benefiting around 60,705 students.
According to BPS records, the average years of schooling in Banten Province reached 9.56 points in 2025, an increase from 9.23 points in the previous year. This correlates with the rise in the HDI, which grew from 76.35 points in 2024 to 77.25 in 2025. In its second year, the Free School Programme for the private sector will expand its scope from Grade X to also include Grade XI with the same quota. Furthermore, the Banten Provincial Government plans to provide free education for Madrasah Aliyah (MA) schools for all grade levels in the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting an estimated 10,000 students.
The programme, initiated by Governor Andra Soni and Deputy Governor Dimyati Natakusumah, aims to broaden opportunities for equitable access to education. It has also successfully enhanced the competitiveness of private schools amidst high public demand for state-owned schools. Buyung Tarmidzi, Head of SMA PGRI 56 Ciputat in South Tangerang, noted that student enrolment increased from 60 to 90 for Grade X following the programme’s introduction, bringing their total student count to 146.
These additional students are largely overflow from state schools such as SMAN 1 and SMAN 5 Ciputat. Tarmidzi expressed optimism that the expansion to Grade XI would motivate educators to improve professional standards, eventually bringing the quality of private schools on par with state institutions.
Students benefiting from the programme, such as 17-year-old Zikri, reported significant relief regarding the financial burden on their families. For students from low-income backgrounds, such as those with parents working as a poultry seller and a security guard, the programme provides a vital alternative to expensive private tuition. Similarly, Kalita, a student at SMKS 17 Cilegon, expressed that the programme alleviated the fear of the heavy monthly fees typically associated with private vocational education.
Governor Andra Soni stated that through this programme, private schools will no longer face obstacles regarding student quotas and tuition fees, as they now have guaranteed funding from the Banten Provincial Government. He added that the increase in student numbers will naturally increase the School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds received, which he hopes will be used to improve school facilities and teacher welfare.
Andra Soni emphasised that the Free School Programme is an effort by the Provincial Government to provide equitable basic educational services. While the programme focuses on students from underprivileged backgrounds to ensure equal access, he noted that families with higher economic capacity will still remain responsible for their children’s educational costs, describing the initiative as a form of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) to ensure regional competitiveness through long-term investment in education.