Banten's Average Years of Schooling Rise as Free Private School Programme Expands Access

The average years of schooling in Banten Province has risen, a positive trend the provincial government attributes partly to its free school programme for private institutions. The policy, which provides free education for senior high school (SMA), vocational school (SMK), and special needs school (SKh) students, covered 60,705 pupils in its first year. According to the Banten Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the average years of schooling reached 9.56 points in 2025, up from 9.23 points the previous year, correlating with a rise in the Human Development Index (IPM) from 76.35 to 77.25 points. In its second year, the programme is being expanded to include Year 11 students alongside Year 10, with the same quota. The provincial government also plans to extend free schooling to Madrasah Aliyah (Islamic senior high schools) in the 2026-2027 academic year, targeting 10,000 students. Buyung Tarmidzi, head of SMA PGRI 56 Ciputat in South Tangerang, noted that new student enrolment rose from 60 to 90 following the programme’s introduction, absorbing students who could not secure places at state schools. He expressed optimism that the expansion would motivate teachers to enhance their professionalism, bringing private school quality on par with state schools. Students like Zikri, whose parents work as a security guard and chicken seller, said the programme significantly eased their financial burden. Governor Andra Soni stated the initiative ensures equitable access to basic education, clarifying that families with sufficient economic means remain responsible for their children’s school fees. He views the rising average years of schooling as a direct investment in the region’s future competitiveness.