Central Java Governor Orders Survey on School Dropout Rates in Remote Areas
The request was made by Luthfi while responding to grievances raised by three regional heads during the Central Java Development Forum held at the Temanggung Regency Hall.
“I urge the Education Office to conduct a survey in Bruno District, Purworejo Regency, as well as the slopes of Merbabu and Sumbing. Report back to me on how many children have dropped out of school due to long distances, and how many cannot attend due to extreme poverty,” Luthfi stated in a written release on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
Luthfi emphasised his commitment to prioritising educational services as a key metric of public welfare. As a demonstration of this commitment, the Central Java Provincial Government previously allocated funding for free education for 5,000 children from impoverished families in private schools through a partnership programme in 2025.
“For those who have dropped out, we will fund their return to school, including costs for clothing, books, uniforms, and other necessities,” he added.
The survey is also intended to map the availability of State Senior High Schools (SMA Negeri) and State Vocational Schools (SMK Negeri) in these regions. If required and land is available, the construction of state schools will be directly included in the budget.
“For example, in Temanggung, there are seven ‘blank spot’ areas that we must reduce. If land is available, we will proceed with construction immediately,” Luthfi concluded.
Luthfi previously inaugurated SMA Negeri 1 Kemalang in Klaten Regency, which is situated on the slopes of Mount Merapi and was formerly part of an educational ‘blank spot’.
The concerns regarding limited educational access were raised by three regents. The Regent of Magelang, Grengseng Pamuji, requested additional high schools on the Sumbing slopes, specifically in the Kaliangkrik and Kajoran districts, which currently lack state-run secondary schools.
The Regent of Temanggung, Agus Setyawan, noted that seven ‘blank spot’ areas exist within his jurisdiction and urged the Provincial Government to support school construction in these locations. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to prepare a 5-hectare site for a ‘People’s School’ (Sekolah Rakyat), which involves relocating residents currently occupying the land.
Similarly, the Regent of Purworejo, Yuli Hastuti, requested the development of a State Vocational School (SMK Negeri) in Bruno District, noting that the area is densely populated with high levels of extreme poverty. She confirmed that 4 hectares of village land are ready for development and that communications have been established with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, requesting the Governor’s support to realise the project.