KDM Reveals Free Education in West Java is Funded by Taxpayers

Bandung, VIVA – West Java Governor Dedi Mastingadi (KDM) has revealed that the West Java Provincial Government is distributing trillions of rupiah from tax revenues to fund school operations, subsidise thousands of private school students, and prevent the risk of school dropouts in the region.

“This is all funded by the residents of West Java who pay their taxes. Therefore, free education in West Java is made free by the people of West Java,” he stated in Bandung on Tuesday.

KDM, as he is affectionately known, expressed his appreciation for the citizens’ compliance in paying taxes. From these tax revenues, an allocation of Rp1.2 trillion—separate from the School Operational Assistance (BOS) and teacher certification funds—has been designated to support basic services for nearly one million students. This includes covering electricity and water bills, as well as the construction of classrooms and new schools.

In addition to public schools, he revealed that taxpayer funds have been allocated at Rp73 billion for 2026 to subsidise 31,663 private SMA/SMK (high school/vocational school) students who did not pass the New Student Admission System (SPMB) through the Private School Cooperation (SSK) programme.

The SSK assistance scheme includes the payment of routine monthly tuition fees (SPP) amounting to Rp150,000 per month for high school students and Rp175,000 per month for vocational school students, plus coverage of the Education Contribution Fund (DSP) or enrolment fees of Rp1.5 million per student per year.

The West Java Provincial Government is also distributing Rp70 billion from the Regional Budget (APBD) to assist with school supplies, such as uniforms, bags, shoes, and books, valued at Rp1.8 million per year, for 38,887 students from underprivileged families.

To reduce dropout rates, the West Java Provincial Government has prepared Rp70 billion to pay the monthly fees for 117,457 students at risk of dropping out, with each student receiving assistance of Rp600,000 per year.

In light of these tangible benefits returning to the community, Dedi urged all citizens to continue monitoring and supporting the sustainability of educational development in West Java by remaining diligent in their tax payments.