Government to Formulate Policy on Schools with Critically Low Student Numbers

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) to address the issue of schools with very low student numbers, some of which have only two or three pupils.

“The government has conducted data collection through the Basic Education Data (Dapodik) system, particularly targeting schools with fewer than 100 students, and even those with under 60 students. This data has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and we will formulate a policy regarding schools with critically low student numbers,” said Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Mu’ti made the statement in response to a social media phenomenon highlighting the registration process at state primary schools with very few students.

“We will formulate this policy together with local governments because the management of schools falls under the authority of regional administrations. The policy taken will consider the impact on the community and will be announced once the joint discussions are completed,” he stated.

The phenomenon of extremely low new student enrolment has occurred in several cities, for instance at SDN Purwoyoso 01 in Semarang, Central Java, which only accepted three new students for the 2026/2027 academic year. Despite the low intake, the school still conducted a School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). In other areas, such as Sleman, Central Java, around 60 schools are also experiencing a shortage of new students as the New Student Admission (SPMB) period concludes.